AceShowbiz -

Robert Hardy, whom "Harry Potter" fans remember for his portrayal of Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge in the film series, has passed away. The actor died aged 91 on Wednesday, August 2 at Denville Hall, a famed London retirement home known to house many professional actors.

His family announced the sad news on Thursday, saying in a statement, "It is with great sadness that the family of Robert Hardy CBE today announced his death, following a tremendous life: a giant career in theatre, television and film spanning more than 70 years."

His children Emma, Justine and Paul also said in the statement, "Dad is also remembered as a meticulous linguist, a fine artist, a lover of music and a champion of literature, as well a highly respected historian, and a leading specialist on the longbow. He was an essential part of the team that raised the great Tudor warship The Mary Rose."

"Harry Potter" books author J.K. Rowling took to Twitter to pay tribute to Hardy. "So very sad to hear about Robert Hardy. He was such a talented actor and everybody who worked with him on Potter loved him," she wrote.

So very sad to hear about Robert Hardy. He was such a talented actor and everybody who worked with him on Potter loved him.

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 3, 2017

Hardy, who began his career in 1959, gained recognition after playing Siegfried Farnon on the television series "All Creatures Great and Small" in 1978. He was also known for his numerous portrayals of Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt. His performance as the British leader in "Winston Churchill: The Wilderness Years" earned him a BAFTA Award in 1981.