The beloved actor Leslie Phillips has died away at the age of 98, it has been reported this afternoon.
Having enjoyed a long and varied career in entertainment stretching over 84 years, the veteran star of stage and screen passed away peacefully in his sleep.
Best known for his roles in Harry Potter as the voice of The Sorting Hat, as well as playing parts in a number of Carry On films, the comic actor starred in over 200 films during the course of his career.
His wife Zara told The Sun: “I’ve lost a wonderful husband and the public has lost a truly great showman.
“He was quite simply a national treasure. People loved him. He was mobbed everywhere he went.”
The celebrated actor also has credits in several other TV series such as Heartbeat, Midsomer Murders, Monarch Of The Glen and Holby City, reports The Manc.
Other films he has had roles in include Empire Of The Sun, Scandal, and Out Of Africa.
Thanks to his roles in the Carry On film series, Phillips became well-known for his suggestive catchphrases such as “Ding Dong”, “Well, hello”, and “I Say!”.
Aside from starring in Carry On films – including Carry On Teacher, Carry On Columbus, Carry On Constable, and Carry On Nurse – of the highlights in his illustrious, several decade-spanning career was when he appeared in Hanif Kureshi’s film Venus alongside the late Peter O’Toole.
He was nominated for a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor for his critically-acclaimed performance.
Phillips was made an OBE in the 1998 Birthday Honours, and was promoted to CBE in the 2008 New Year Honours.
But, his agent Jonathan Lloyd has today confirmed that the star has passed away, and died “peacefully in his sleep” on Monday.
Tributes have since been pouring in on social media.
Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons
