Leslie Samuel Phillips CBE (1924 - 2022)

Born 20 Apr 1924 in Tottenham, London, England

Ancestors

Husband of Angela Margaret (Scoular) Phillips — married 1982 (to 2011) in Westminster Registration District, Middlesex, England

Died 7 Nov 2022 at age 98 in England

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English radio, film, and TV actor best known for his catchphrases and as the voice of the Sorting Hat in the Harry Potter films.

Biography

Leslie Phillips CBE is Notable.

Leslie Samuel Phillips was born on 20 April 1924 in Tottenham, London, England to Frederick Samuel Phillips and Cecilia Margaret (Newlove) Phillips. ^[1]

The family moved to Chingford, Essex, England in 1931, Leslie's acting debut came in 1935 in Peter Pan with Anna Neagle. Leslie's father died that year aged only 44 of oedema and a weak heart, brought on by his work at a cooker manufactory. Leslie was sent to the Italia Conti Academy for elocution lessons to rid him of his pronounced Cockney accent.

Leslie performed in the first week of the opening of Pinewood Studios in 1936, and acted in West End plays until he was 'called up' to the British Army in 1942. He served as an officer until his discharge in 1944 due to a medical condition. He married his first wife, actress Penelope Bartley, on 30 May 1948. ^[2] The couple had four children, and later divorced in 1965.

Bit parts and roles in out-of-the-way venues followed, until the 1950s, when Leslie's catchphrases made him famous. "I say, ding-dong" and "Hello" - phrases spoken in a posh voice which imitated actor Terry- Thomas. He appeared in several of the Carry On films, infusing a certain lecherousness into his catchphrases.

Between 1959 and 1977, Leslie added radio appearances to his repertoire. He appeared as Sub-Lieutenant Phillips in the comedy series The Navy Lark (with Jon Pertwee and Ronnie Barker), reprising the role in the film of the same name. He also appeared several times in radio episodes of Dr Who (2004, 2008) and as Hactar in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

In 1982, Leslie married his second wife, actress Angela Scoular. ^[3] She died in 2011 from medical complications.

In the 1998 Birthday Honours, Leslie received an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire). ^[4]

Phillips worked in several plays and television productions such as Honey for Tea, The Bill, and Midsomer Murders, together with blockbuster films such as Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Empire of the Sun. But it was his involvement in the Harry Potter films which stands out for many. Leslie gave the voice to the Sorting Hat, which assigns new students to their House.

In 2008, his OBE became the higher award of a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire). ^[5] In 2010, Leslie received the Freedom of the City of London.

In 2013, Leslie married his third wife, when he was 89.

I've been in every conceivable type of film. I've done the smallest, the cheapest... I've done some wonderful big blockbusters [Spielberg's Empire Of The Sun, Harry Potter], I've tasted every known type of director and every big star. I've had a wonderful career." Leslie Phillips in The Guardian ^[6]

Leslie Phillips died peacefully in his sleep on 7 November 2022. ^[7]

Appearances

For complete filmography, please see freespace page

• Radio
  • The Navy Lark (1959–1977)
  • The TV Lark (1963)
  • Oh, Get on with It! (with Kenneth Williams)
  • The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy as Hactar
  • Cousin Bette, The Poor Relation, BBC Radio 4 Classic Serial (9 – 23 April 2000)
  • Drop Me Here...Darling
  • The Skivers
  • The House of Unspeakable Secrets (1967)
  • The Scarifyers: The Secret Weapon of Doom
  • Doctor Who: Medicinal Purposes (2004) as Dr Knox
  • Doctor Who: Assassin in the Limelight (2008) as Dr Knox
  • Mrs Bradley: Speedy Death (2008)

Sources

1. ↑ England & Wales birth registration: Edmonton [district], Volume 3a, Page 909, June quarter 1924
2. ↑ England & Wales marriage registration: Hampstead [district], Volume 5c, Page 1927, Leslie S PHILLIPS and Noel P BARTLEY
3. ↑ England & Wales marriage registration: Westminster [district], Volume 15, Page 1493, September quarter 1982, Leslie S PHILLIPS and Angela M SCOULAR
4. ↑ London Gazette, 15 June 1998
5. ↑ London Gazette, 29 December 2007
6. ↑ "With My Reputation?", Dan Davies, 27 November 2004 (article can be read without subscription)
7. ↑ "Leslie Phillips: Carry On and Harry Potter star dies aged 98", BBC News

See Also:

• Wikipedia:Leslie_Phillips
• Leslie Phillips on IMDb