David Ryall, Actor Who Played Elphias Doge in ‘Harry Potter,’ Dies on Christmas Day

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 Satur...
David Ryall, Actor Who Played Elphias Doge in ‘Harry Potter,’ Dies on Christmas Day
Written by Pam Wright
  • 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.

    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.

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

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