Leslie Phillips was an English actor known for his roles in several “Carry On” movies and as the Sorting Hat in the “Harry Potter” series.
- Died: November 7, 2022 (Who else died on November 7?)
- Details of death: Died after a long illness at the age of 98.
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Acting career
Phillips had a long and prolific acting career, beginning on the British stage and in movies as a teen in the 1930s. After putting his acting career on hold to serve in the British Army during World War II, he began to break through in the 1950s with a leading role in the BBC sitcom “My Wife Jacqueline” and a role in the Gene Kelly film “Les Girls.” Phillips honed his portrayal of a caddish upper-class type in several of the “Carry On” series of British comedies: “Carry On Nurse,” “Carry On Teacher,” and “Carry On Constable.” He became known for his catchphrases, “Ding Dong”, “Heee-llo,” and “I Say.”
Phillips continued to work busily for decades, appearing in movies including “Out of Africa,” “Empire of the Sun,” and “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,” plus returning for a fourth “Carry On” movie, “Carry On Columbus.” He frequently appeared on British TV with guest appearances on shows including “The Bill,” “Holby City,” and “Midsomar Murders.” Phillips also worked on radio, including playing the computer Hactar in the BBC radio comedy adaptation of “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” and Dr. Knox in two “Doctor Who” dramas. A prominent late-career role began with “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” in 2001, offering the voice of the Sorting Hat, which told incoming students to Hogwarts which house they’d be in. Phillips returned for the second film, “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” as well as the final installment of the series, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.” In 2006, he was nominated for a BAFTA for his performance in “Venus.”
Phillips on his long career
“I don’t think actors do retire. They’re like old soldiers, they fade away. Something happens, the phone doesn’t ring, or they become ill. Something like that. But I’ve only heard of about two actors who actually retired. And they both came back again, and then retired again!” —from a 2007 interview for Den of Geek
Tributes to Leslie Phillips
Full obituary: BBC
