Remembering the Life and Career of Actor Leslie Phillips

Following the death of actor Leslie Phillips at age 98, we at MuggleNet would like to take the opportunity to highlight his lengthy career in the entertainment industry. While fans of the Wizarding World franchise are likely to know him best as the voice of the Hogwarts Sorting Hat in the Harry Potter films, this was far from his only notable role.

As reported by the Sun, Phillips starred in over 200 productions and began appearing on film in the 1930s. Born in Tottenham in London, he was educated at the Italia Conti stage school prior to serving in WWII as a lieutenant in the Durham Light Infantry.

Phillips’s acting career continued following the war. He appeared in four of the Carry On films, and he became known to audiences for catchphrases including “Ding dong” from the film Carry On Nurse. Jim Dale – who lent his voice to the Harry Potter audiobooks for the United States market – was also a regular cast member in the Carry On films.

Phillips also appeared on the BBC radio show The Navy Lark for 17 years, and archived episodes of the show can be played via the OTR.Network Library.

Phillips was nominated for a BAFTA for his role in the 2006 film Venus, in which he appeared opposite actor Peter O’Toole. He was made an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1998 and a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2008.

Per his agency, Curtis Brown, Phillips additionally authored an autobiography titled Hello, which was named after another of his Carry On catchphrases. It was published in 2004.

The BBC writes that Phillips was a fan of the Premier League team Tottenham Hotspur Football Club and appeared as part of the entertainment during a 2012 match.