Leslie Phillips, the voice of Harry Potter’s sorting hat, passes away at 98

During this time, he became well-known for his suggestive catchphrases, including “Ding dong,” “Well, hello,” and “I say!”

While Phillips’ film acting career consisted mostly of comedy roles, he later moved into other work including a turn opposite Peter O’Toole in the 2006 film Venus that earned him a BAFTA nomination for best supporting actor. He also voiced the Sorting Hat in the Harry Potter franchise.

Leslie Samuel Phillips was born in Tottenham, north London, on April 20, 1924. He studied drama, dance and elocution at the Italia Conti Stage School, before serving as a lieutenant during World War II.

After the war, he began to get leading roles on the stage and screen. His big break came in 1957 when he appeared in the Gene Kelly musical, Les Girls.

In the 1980s, he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company and played roles such as Falstaff in The Merry Wives Of Windsor.

He suffered a stroke in 2014 while shopping in London but made a strong recovery.

Phillips was named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2008 in recognition of his acting career.