Leslie Phillips, known for his work on both the small and big screens, died at the age of 98, according to his agent.
The actor rose to prominence in the 1950s, with success in the Carry On and Harry Potter franchises, as well as work on television and stage.
Phillips died “peacefully in his sleep” on Monday, according to his agent, Jonathan Lloyd.
Despite portraying an upper-class gentleman, Phillips came from a working-class family.
His mother enrolled him in elocution lessons, and by the age of 14, his new accent had made him the primary breadwinner, with stage roles helping to support his family.
He starred in three Carry On films after a stint in the army and a string of small and big-screen roles.
It was the creation of a persona that would become synonymous with him, along with the catchphrase “I say, ding dong” from his Carry On Nurse character.
In 1992, he returned to the franchise with Carry On Columbus.
“In the old days, most Carry On films would have died naturally after doing the rounds at the cinemas,” he said in a 1999 interview.
“But then came television, and they were flogged to death all over the world.”
Someone has made a lot of money off of them.
But not those of us who took part in them.”
He also played the Doctor in both Doctor in Clover and Doctor in Trouble, succeeding Dirk Bogarde, and was known for the long-running radio sitcom The Navy Lark.
But, not wanting to be associated solely with comedy, he appeared in more dramatic roles such as Out of Africa, Scandal, and Empire of the Sun throughout the 1980s.
He also had blockbuster roles, including Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, in which he co-starred with Angelina Jolie, and three Harry Potter films in which he provided his voice.
Phillips was still irritated by people’s limited perceptions of him.
“I know there’s a large audience out there who has no idea what I’ve done, and they probably think I’m still stuck in that rut,” he explained.
“Some people say, ‘Oh my gosh, Leslie, I saw you in this really serious drama the other night and I was very surprised.’
And I ask myself, “Why?”
“I’m a performer.”
What about my reputation?
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He took on fewer roles in the last decade, but he impressed opposite Peter O’Toole in Venus, earning a Bafta nomination for his performance.
He also appeared in Is There Anyone There? with Michael Caine, as well as a number of radio dramas based on Doctor Who adventures.
Rumpole of the Bailey, Chancer, Midsomer Murders, and The Catherine Tate Show were among his other television credits.
He was awarded an OBE in 1998, which was later upgraded to a CBE in 2008.
His third wife, Zara Carr, and four children survive him.