A British character actor known to U.S. audiences for his role in the Harry Potter franchise has died. David Ryall, who appeared in British TV series and miniseries throughout his career, died on Christmas Day at 79, Deadline.com reports.

While he may be best known to Americans for playing Elphias Doge in 2010’s “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1,” he appeared in British hits including “Prime Suspect,” “The Singing Detective” and “Foyle’s War.”

In films, he appeared in 2008’s “City of Ember” and this year’s “Mr. Turner,” in which he plays a footman. His most recent project was the science-fiction thriller “Automata,” which was released in October.

David Ryall