Actor David Ryall has passed away, he was 79 years old. The star who is best known for his portrayal of fictional character Elphias Doge in the Harry Potter movie franchise died on Christmas Day. 

Ryall was in the entertainment industry to more than fifty year, also starred in the BBC series Outnumbered in which he played Frank, a grandfather who suffers from dementia. Aside from his work in the Harry Potter franchise and the hit BBC series, he also starred as Old Bert who was the narrator in The Village.

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Sherlock writer and actor Mark Gatiss revealed Ryalls passing through Twitter. Gatiss posted a Tweet expressing his sadness at the passing of his friend and dear colleague. He wrote "The great David Ryall left us on Christmas Day. A twinkling, brilliant and wonderful actor whom I was privileged to call a friend, RIP."

Davids daughter, Charlie later tweeted a thank you to Gatiss and to everyone who sent their kind words of love and encouragement about her father.

David started his career in the entertainment industry after receiving a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 1962, he later joined The Laurence Olivier Company with the National Theatre wherein he stayed as an actor for eight years. 

He is now survived by his children, a son and two daughters. He recently starred alongside his daughter Charlie, who is also an actress, during the staging of King Lear at the Cockpit Theatre.

No cause of death was released to the media.

TagsHarry Potter, David Ryall