David Ryall: Harry Potter actor dies aged 79

David Ryall, known for playing Elphias Doge in the Harry Potter Deathly Hallows, has died at the age of 79.

The actor passed away on Christmas Day but no more information has been given.

David Ryall had a five-decade career across film, TV and theatre, including in movie The Elephant Man and on TV, The Village and Outnumbered.

Daughter Charlie Ryall said: “Please take a moment to remember his huge five-decade-spanning career outside of the more well-known TV & film.”

David Ryall replaced Peter Cartwright as Elphias Doge in 2010’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.

His character was a close friend of Albus Dumbledore in addition to being a Ministry of Magic jurist and an Order of the Phoenix member.

David Ryall’s other film roles included parts in 2004’s Around the World in 80 Days, 1990’s Truly, Madly, Deeply and 1980’s The Elephant Man.

He began his career on the stage before becoming a familiar face on British TV.

He received a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 1962, during which time he won the Caryl Brahams Award for a musical.

David Ryall went on to join Laurence Olivier’s company with the National Theatre, during which time he was involved in several well-known plays, such as Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.

David Ryall is survived by his son, music manager Jonathan Ryall, and two daughters, singer Imogen Ryall and actress Charlie Ryall.