Britain’s Prince Charles chats with actor Leslie Philips May 17, 2006 in London. Leslie Phillips, the British actor best known as the voice of the Sorting Hat in the Harry Potter films, has died. He was 98. (Stefan Rousseau, via AP, Pool)
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LONDON – Leslie Phillips, the British actor best known for his roles in the bawdy ‘Carry On’ comedies and as the voice of the Sorting Hat in the ‘Harry Potter’ films, has died. He was 98.
His agent Jonathan Lloyd confirmed Tuesday that Phillips died “peacefully at home” on Monday.
The veteran actor had his first film appearances in the 1930s. He is known for his overly comic portrayal of the English upper class, having starred in Carry On Nurse, Carry On Teacher and Carry On Constable in 1959 and 1960.
During this time, he became known for his suggestive catchphrases, including “Ding dong,” “Well, hello,” and “I say!”.
While Phillips’ film career consisted primarily of comedy roles, he later branched out to other work, including a role opposite Peter O’Toole in the 2006 film Venus, which earned him a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He also voiced the Sorting Hat in the Harry Potter franchise.
Leslie Samuel Phillips was born on April 20, 1924 in Tottenham, north London. He studied acting, dance and elocution at the Italia Conti Stage School before serving as a second lieutenant in World War II.
After the war, he began getting starring roles on stage and screen. His big break came in 1957 when he appeared in the Gene Kelly musical Les Girls.
In the 1980s he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company and played roles such as Falstaff in The Merry Wives of Windsor.
He suffered a stroke while shopping in London in 2014 but made a strong recovery.
Phillips was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2008 in recognition of his acting career.
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