The British film and television industry has just lost a recurring figure in major local pop culture works. Leading roles are not the only ones to leave a lasting impression on viewers, so much so that some "secondary" faces, although discreet, end up becoming inseparable from certain productions. This was notably the case of Simon Fisher-Becker, who passed away this Sunday, March 9, 2025, at the age of 63. The sad news was shared on Facebook by her husband, Anthony Dugdale, who did not specify the circumstances of this unexpected death in order to better pay tribute to his late companion.
Far from being unknown to the battalion on the other side of the Channel, the British actor is primarily known to French audiences for his performances in the Harry Potter and Doctor Who sagas. In 2001, Simon Fisher-Becker played the Fat Friar – the ghost of Hufflepuff house – for the first installment of the adventures of the little wizard with glasses. Science fiction fans will also recognize him for his role as Dorium Maldovar in seasons 5 and 6 of Doctor Who (2005). This close friend of the Time Lord appeared in some of the most memorable episodes of the entire series, namely Opens the Pandorica (season 5 episode 12), The Demon's Retreat (season 6 episode 7) and The Wedding of River Song (season 6 episode 13). In his lifetime, Simon Fisher-Becker managed to make his mark on two of the biggest pieces of British pop culture: an achievement that deserves to be remembered and honored.
The emotion of his loved ones and colleagues
His agent and friend Kim Barry declared “Today I lost not only a client in Simon Fisher-Becker, but also a close friend whom I have known for 15 years now. I will never forget the call I made to him when he was offered the role of Dorium Maldovar in the BBC series Doctor Who. Simon was also a writer, a raconteur and a great public speaker. He helped me enormously and he was also kind, friendly and interested in everyone. My condolences go out to his husband Tony, his brother, his nieces and nephews and his legion of fans.”
Big Finish Productions, the studio behind the Doctor Who audio spin-offs, added: “It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing this weekend of Simon Fisher-Becker, known to many as Dorium Maldovar in the Doctor Who television and audio series. We offer our condolences to his friends and family.“
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