Simon Fisher-Becker, the beloved British actor renowned for his work as the ghostly Fat Friar in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and as Dorium Maldovar on Doctor Who, has passed away at the age of 63. His husband, Tony, shared the sad news via his Facebook account on March 9, 2025, stating the actor had died at 2:50 PM.
Tony’s heartfelt message read, "Hello everyone. This is Tony, Simon's husband. I have some very sad news. At 2:50 this afternoon Simon passed away. I'll be keeping this account open for a little bit. I’m not sure at this point if I'll be posting again. Thank you." The cause of Fisher-Becker's death has not been revealed.
Confirming the news to various media outlets, Fisher-Becker's manager, Kim Barry, expressed her deep sadness, stating, "Today, I lost not only a client Simon Fisher-Becker, but a close personal friend of 15 years standing." Barry reminisced about when she first called him after he was offered the role of Dorium, fondly remembering, "He had been a fan of the show since he was a child." She added, "Simon was also a writer, a raconteur and a great public speaker. He helped me out enormously and was always kind, gracious and interested in everyone. My condolences go to his husband Tony, his brother, nieces and nephews, and his legion of fans.”
The actor, who garnered acclaim for his performances, had 48 acting credits dating all the way back to his debut role on the series ScreenPlay Firsts in 1990. While many may recognize him from his vivid portrayal of the Fat Friar, who welcomes Harry Potter and his classmates to Hogwarts, Fisher-Becker also played the recurring role of Dorium Maldovar across multiple episodes of Doctor Who during its reboot phases, appearing alongside Matt Smith's Doctor. His role was cherished by fans of the classic sci-fi series and helped solidify his place within the franchise's lore.
Fisher-Becker’s versatility extended beyond iconic franchises; he also took part as part of the ensemble cast of the award-winning Les Misérables film released in 2012, showcasing his talents across diverse media. His performances earned him numerous fans and admiration within the acting community, and he continued to engage audiences until his untimely passing.
Tributes poured in from peers and fans alike upon the news of his death. Big Finish Productions, which produced the audio series of Doctor Who, expressed their condolences, stating, "We were very sad to learn of the passing over the weekend of Simon Fisher-Becker, who many will know from his role as Dorium Maldovar on television and audio Doctor Who. Our condolences go out to his friends and family.”
Many online also shared their reflections, including actor Dominic G. Martin, who remembered Fisher-Becker as "a legend” within the Doctor Who fan community. Martin wrote, "I never got to meet him properly, but friends who worked with him have nothing but lovely things to say. A real testimony to his character. Farewell sir." This sentiment resonates with countless fans who cherished Fisher-Becker not just for his roles, but also for his charm and enthusiasm for the fandom he so loved.
Fisher-Becker was known to frequently attend fan conventions, engaging warmly with admirers of both franchises and building cherished memories with those who greeted him. His passing leaves behind not only treasured memories of his captivating roles but also the legacy of his kindness and genuine connection with fans.
Today, as the news of Simon Fisher-Becker’s death reverberates throughout the entertainment world, both fans and fellow actors reflect on how his contributions enriched their lives. The loss of such talent is always deeply felt, especially when the individual embodies warmth, generosity, and passion as Fisher-Becker did.
Simon Fisher-Becker’s impact transcends the screen; he will be remembered fondly not only for his performances but for the vibrant life he shared with those around him. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors and fans, ensuring he is not forgotten.