Sad news for the entertainment world—Simon Fisher-Becker, the beloved actor known for his roles in *Doctor Who* and “Harry Potter”, has passed away at the age of 63. His agent, Kim Barry of Jaffrey Management, confirmed his passing, describing Simon as not only a talented actor but also a dear personal friend.
For “Doctor Who” fans, Simon Fisher-Becker will always be remembered as Dorium Maldovar, the blue-skinned black marketeer from the fifth and sixth series of the BBC sci-fi classic.
His character, introduced during Matt Smith’s tenure as the Eleventh Doctor, played a key role in pivotal episodes, including “A Good Man Goes to War” and “The Wedding of River Song”.
Dorium’s dramatic fate—being beheaded yet continuing to appear as a talking, disembodied head—made him a memorable figure in the “Doctor Who” universe.
But for many, Simon’s most widely recognized role came in 2001’s “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”, where he portrayed The Fat Friar, the jolly ghost of Hufflepuff House. Though his time on-screen was brief, it left a lasting impact on “Harry Potter” fans who first entered the magical world of Hogwarts through the film adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved books.
His passing was announced by his husband, Tony Dugdale, in a heartfelt Facebook post. “At 2:50 this afternoon, Simon passed away,” Tony wrote, acknowledging the outpouring of tributes from devastated fans and colleagues.
Many took to social media to share their condolences, praising Simon not just as an actor but as a kind and gracious person who loved entertaining and engaging with fans.
Beyond his sci-fi and fantasy roles, Simon Fisher-Becker built an impressive career in television and theater. He appeared in classic British TV series such as “One Foot in the Grave, The Bill, Doctors, Love Soup,” and “Getting On”. He was also part of the ensemble cast in the 2012 Oscar-winning film “Les Misérables”, appearing in the lively “Master of the House” sequence.
In addition to acting, Simon was a respected writer, public speaker, and mentor within the entertainment industry. His contributions extended beyond the screen, helping up-and-coming actors and filmmakers find their footing. His presence will be sorely missed, but his legacy will undoubtedly live on through the characters he brought to life and the people he inspired along the way.
Rest in peace, Simon Fisher-Becker.
