Leslie Phillips, known for his role in Carry On, and his voice work as the ‘sorting hat’ in Harry Potter, has died at the age of 98.
Leslie Phillips died “peacefully in his sleep” on Monday (November 7), as confirmed by his agent, Jonathan Lloyd. The 98-year-old British actor, loved for his roles in the Carry On comedy film series, and his voice work as the ‘sorting hat’ in Harry Potter, had been suffering from a long-term illness, having previously experienced two strokes.
Phillips’ wife, Zara told The Sun UK, “I’ve lost a wonderful husband and the public has lost a truly great showman. He was quite simply a national treasure. People loved him. He was mobbed everywhere he went.”
Throughout Leslie Phillips’ career, which spanned across eight decades, the beloved comedic actor was featured in over “200 films, TV and radio series,” as reported by The Sun UK.
Since the news of his tragic passing came to light, many entertainers have shared heartfelt tributes for Phillips across social media, including comedian and actor Sanjeev Bhaskar, Coronation Street star Tony Maudsley, journalist Piers Morgan, and author Melanie Blake.
https://twitter.com/TonyMaudsley1/status/1589961247872909312
Taking to Twitter, Tony Maudsley wrote, “RIP Leslie Phillips. Working with him was a joy. And yes he did say DING DONG (because I asked him to).” Meanwhile, Sanjeev Bhaskar shared a clip of Leslie Phillips’ guest appearance on his own TV programme, writing that the actor “couldn’t have been more of a gent. A truly warm, funny and gentle man.”
Likewise, Piers Morgan referred to the Carry On star as a “wonderful character & superb comedy actor.” See more heartfelt tributes for Leslie Phillips below.
Sorry to hear Leslie Phillips has passed. Always liked his pater and had a few nice exchanges with him on Twitter back in the days when you could do that sort of thing on here. pic.twitter.com/Hs2NSgE118
— Irvine Welsh (@IrvineWelsh) November 8, 2022
One of the wonderful elements of doing #TheKumars42 was combining guests like here, Madness and the wonderful #LesliePhillips, who couldn't have been more of a gent. A truly warm, funny and gentle man #RIPLesliePhillips https://t.co/JESiDyUuwY
— Sanjeev Bhaskar💙 (@TVSanjeev) November 8, 2022
Another legend gone, thanks for the entertainment old chap ❤️#RIP #LesliePhillips #DingDong https://t.co/qTgTcJwvs1
— Melanie Blake (@MelanieBlakeUK) November 8, 2022
RIP Leslie Phillips, 98.
Wonderful character & superb comedy actor, best known for his what he called his 'lecherous twit' roles in the Carry On & Doctor In The House films with his catchphrases, 'Ding Dong', 'Well, Hello' and 'I Say..' Sad news. pic.twitter.com/EzzjGstp7U— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) November 8, 2022
