'Harry Potter' Actor Robert Hardy Dies at 91

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Robert Hardy, a British film and TV actor best known for playing Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge in four of the Harry Potter films, died on Thursday. He was 91.

Official accounts for the franchise and Pottermore confirmed the news on Twitter.

"Robert Hardy's passing marks the end of a long and distinguished acting career -- a career defined, primarily, by his portrayals of two prime ministers; one real, another magical," an additional message on the Pottermore website reads. "Across four Harry Potter films, he made every scene count."

According to ABC News, Hardy died at Denville Hall, a retirement home for actors near London.

"It is with great sadness that the family of Robert Hardy CBE today announced his death, following a tremendous life," his rep told the outlet. "Gruff, elegant, twinkly, and always dignified, he is celebrated by all who knew him and loved him, and everyone who enjoyed his work."

Hardy starred in theater, TV and film for more than 70 years. In addition to his work in Harry Potter, he was also well known for playing Siegfried Farnon in All Creatures Great and Small and for his various portrayals of Winston Churchill in film and TV series like Winston Churchill: The Wilderness Years, The Woman He Loved and War and Remembrance.

Hardy is survived by his three children, Paul, Justine and Emma.

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