Robert Hardy was an English actor best known for his role as Cornelius Fudge, the Minister for Magic, in four Harry Potter films. Hardy originated the role in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and reprised it in Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire and Order of the Phoenix.

Hardy also appeared in the films Sense and Sensibility, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, Berserk, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Mrs Dalloway, The Gathering and Lassie.

Additionally, he had a starring role on the BBC1 television series All Creatures Great and Small, about the staff of a country veterinary clinic. The series ran from 1978 to 1990. He also appeared on Studio One in Hollywood, Buckskin, General Electric Theater, The Saint, Mrs. Columbo, Jenny’s War and Agatha Christie’s Marple.

Hardy began his career in the U.K. as a stage actor and was also an established voice actor.

He died August 3, 2017, in Denville Hall, Northwood, Hillingdon, London, England. He was 91.