Simon Fisher-Becker, Beloved Character Actor, Passes Away at 63
Simon Fisher-Becker, a British character actor cherished for his small but unforgettable roles in Harry Potter and Doctor Who, passed away on Sunday at the age of 63.
His husband, Anthony Dugdale, announced the heartbreaking news on social media. No cause of death was provided.
A versatile performer whose career spanned film, theater, and television, Fisher-Becker had a remarkable ability to bring depth and charm to even the briefest of roles. In the 2001 film Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, he portrayed the Fat Friar, the jovial ghost of Hufflepuff House, who welcomed young witches and wizards to Hogwarts. However, it was his role as Dorium Maldovar, the enigmatic blue-skinned alien in BBC’s Doctor Who, that truly changed the trajectory of his career.
“I was a jobbing actor for many years, but Maldovar changed everything,” he shared in a 2014 interview with The Lancashire Telegraph. “People were suddenly asking about my availability instead of me asking them about auditions.”
Born on November 25, 1961, in London, Fisher-Becker grew up in the area and initially found his passion for music before discovering acting. As a schoolboy, he was cast as Mr. Bumble in Oliver Twist, an experience that awakened a love for performance.
“I found I enjoyed the process,” he once reflected. “Some things just felt natural for me to do.”
Despite his early interest, Fisher-Becker did not immediately pursue acting as a career. Instead, he worked in government roles, including as a theater manager and a human resources manager. It was only after being laid off that he decided to take a drama course and fully commit to his passion.
In March 2009, a violent attack at a gas station sidelined him from musical stage comedy, a devastating setback. However, later that year, he auditioned for Doctor Who, a show he had adored since childhood. His initial role as Dorium Maldovar was meant to be brief, but fans instantly took to the charismatic, mysterious character, leading to multiple return appearances.
“I never ever imagined that one day I’d be in Doctor Who,” he told The Telegraph in an interview, recalling his deep connection to the show.
Throughout his career, Fisher-Becker graced the screen in a variety of television shows and films, often in small but impactful roles. His credits include the supernatural drama Afterlife, the medical comedy Getting On, the dog-training sitcom Puppy Love, and the 2012 film adaptation of Les Misérables, where he appeared in the raucous “Master of the House” ensemble.
Though details about his surviving family members have not been made public, Fisher-Becker leaves behind a legacy of warmth, humor, and extraordinary talent that touched audiences worldwide.
Reflecting on the unpredictable nature of acting, he once remarked, “You are always an audition away from something changing your life.”
Simon Fisher-Becker’s presence will be deeply missed, but his performances and the joy he brought to others will live on. Rest in peace.