After news broke Thursday that Robert Hardy died at age 91, the mourning began on Twitter for the late actor. Potterheads were particularly vocal, as Hardy portrayed Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge in four of the series' films. Author J.K. Rowling joined them in paying tribute, penning a short message to express her sorrow.
"So very sad to hear about Robert Hardy," she wrote. "He was such a talented actor and everybody who worked with him on Potter loved him."
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
Rowling wasn't the only one connected to the Potter series who spoke out; Chris Rankin (Percy Weasley) remembered Hardy's "wonderful stories" in a sweet tweet.
BBC news tells me Robert Hardy, the Minister of Magic has died. Terribly sad. He was a very kind man who told wonderful stories. xx
— Chris Rankin (@chrisrankin) August 3, 2017
And there were plenty of wands raised for Hardy. Potterheads did not fail to honor the actor, even if they didn't always like his character.
RIP Robert Hardy, Cornelius Fudge, Minister for Magic. He will be greatly missed. http://pic.twitter.com/MP9UxQf0cJ
— Francesca Fedrigo (@FrancyFedrigo) August 3, 2017
Very sad to hear of Robert Hardy passing. God speed to Robert, a legendary actor and good human..🌟
— Frunzel (@Frunzel) August 3, 2017
R.I.P Robert Hardy a.k.a Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge. You will be missed. *Raise your wands*
— Ash (@Ashwene_THINA) August 3, 2017
Goodbye Robert Hardy.Sleep peacefully. My potterhead heart will never forget you... you will always be Cornelius Fudge. R.I.P💔#RIPCornelius http://pic.twitter.com/j6RpS1gFBQ
— Andrea |-/ (@TheGirlWhoLeavs) August 3, 2017
me: oh no, Robert Hardy died
— erina (@iamclasse) August 3, 2017
melina: ... fudge
Sad news about Robert Hardy. Thoughts with his family #ministerofmagic
— Keely🦋 (@keelybeanie79) August 3, 2017
The Ministry has fallen. RIP Robert Hardy
— Bianca Gargalicano (@biancagargs) August 3, 2017
Saddened to hear the passing of #RobertHardy his contribution Film & TV was outstanding. We'll never 'obliviate' you sir. RIP 🙏🏼
— Anuj Radia (@TheAnujRadia) August 3, 2017
I really hated Cornelius Fudge. Shows how brilliant an actor Robert Hardy was. #RIPRobertHardy
— The Dude (@ashleypywell86) August 3, 2017
Robert Hardy has PASSED away. Mine condolences to his entire family and to give comical FAREWELL wand to remember MODERN performance http://pic.twitter.com/COOwAdiDTi
— Second Conservative (@Conservative214) August 3, 2017
So sad to hear of the passing of Robert Hardy, who brought Cornelius Fudge to life for us. He will be greatly missed. http://pic.twitter.com/1snsgg8iOw
— KIKII ☆ (@kikiiadventures) August 3, 2017
The Harry Potter films were far from the only notable ones in which Hardy starred during his decades-long career, but they were certainly memorable. We join the Potterheads of Twitter in raising an imaginary wand.