British actor Robert Hardy dies aged 91

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Robert Hardy, who played Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge. He will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/S1DscwlDtX

— Harry Potter Film (@HarryPotterFilm) August 3, 2017

LONDON, United Kingdom - Actor Robert Hardy, a familiar face on British television who also played the minister of magic in the Harry Potter franchise, has died aged 91, his family announced on Thursday.

"It is with great sadness that the family of Robert Hardy CBE today announced his death, following a tremendous life: a giant career in theater, television and film spanning more than 70 years," a statement from his children Emma, Justine and Paul said.

They added: "Gruff, elegant, twinkly, and always dignified, he is celebrated by all who knew him and loved him, and everyone who enjoyed his work."

Author J.K. Rowling also praised Hardy through her Twitter account.

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

Born in 1925, Hardy started his career at 24 in a stage adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Coriolanus", the first of many theater roles.

He was also part of several long-standing television shows, including the BBC's famed "All Creatures Great and Small", which ran for 12 years.

The Bafta-nominated actor later appeared in the Harry Potter films as Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge, a role he reprised four times.

He was awarded a CBE -- one of Britain's highest honors -- in 1981 for his services to acting. — Agence France-Presse