The British actor Leslie Phillips, best known for his appearances in the "Carry On" comedy and for providing the Sorting Hat's voice in the Harry Potter films, has passed away. He was 98.
On Tuesday, November 8, his agent, Jonathan Lloyd, reported that Phillips passed away "peacefully at home" on Monday.
In the 1930s, the seasoned actor made his debut in a film. He gained attention after appearing in the 1959 and 1960 films Carry On Nurse, Carry On Teacher, and Carry On Constable. He is famous for his exaggerated humorous portrayal of the English upper class.
He rose to fame for his suggestive catchphrases at this time, such as "Ding dong," "Well, hello," and "I say!"
While the majority of Phillips' roles in films were comedic, he eventually expanded his range, including a role opposite Peter O'Toole in the 2006 movie Venus, which led to a BAFTA nomination for best supporting actor. In the Harry Potter series, he also provided the Sorting Hat's voice.
On April 20, 1924, Leslie Samuel Phillips was born in Tottenham, north London. Before serving as a lieutenant in World War II, he attended the Italia Conti Stage School to study drama, dancing, and elocution.
He started landing prominent roles on the stage and in films after the war. His performance in the Gene Kelly musical Les Girls in 1957 served as his big break.
He joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 1980s and took on parts like Falstaff in The Merry Wives of Windsor.
In 2014, while out shopping in London, he had a stroke, but he recovered well.
In appreciation of his acting career, Phillips was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2008.
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