David Ryall, the British veteran actor best known as Elphias Doge in Harry Potter, died on Christmas Day. He was 79.

The news of his death was tweeted by Sherlock writer and actor Mark Gatiss on Saturday and was confirmed by his daughter, actress Charlie Ryall, also on Twitter.

In Britain, he is known for far more than his stint in Harry Potter. With a career that spanned more than five decades in film, TV and theater, he is noted for his roles in The Elephant Man (1980), Around the World in 80 Days (2004) and City of Ember (2008).

Ryall took on the role of Elphias Doge in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 in 2010, replacing Peter Cartwright.

#RIP: David Ryall, 'Harry Potter's' Elphias Doge, Dead at 79 http://t.co/yaQnQ50ZIU pic.twitter.com/3mN8J9Z2yE

— TheWrap (@TheWrap) December 28, 2014

The great David Ryall left us on Christmas Day. A twinkling, brilliant, wonderful actor I was privileged to call a friend. RIP.

— Mark Gatiss (@Markgatiss) December 27, 2014

Thank you to @Markgatiss and everyone who has sent kind words of love & encouragement about my Dad, the brilliant David Ryall.

— Charlie Ryall (@charlie_ryall) December 27, 2014

Please take a moment to remember his huge five-decade-spanning career outside of the more well-known TV & film. Not just Harry Potter.

— Charlie Ryall (@charlie_ryall) December 27, 2014

His most recent role was on the BBC comedy Outnumbered. Other television credits include The Village and The Singing Detective. He also appeared in Andrew Davies’ adaptation of House of Cards (not the Netflix original series).

Ryall began his career at a young age with Laurence Olivier’s company at the National Theatre. His theater work includes Guys and Dolls, The Beggar’s Opera and Animal Farm.

Actor David Ryall, known for his work in film, TV & theatre, has died aged 79 http://t.co/adgEqOBTJV pic.twitter.com/NDKwFgOWii

— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) December 28, 2014

Ryall is survived by a son, music manager Jonathan Ryall, and two daughters, singer Imogen Ryall and actress Charlie Ryall.