Harry Potter legend Stuart Craig has passed away at the age of 83 after a battle with Parkinson’s disease.
The visionary production designer behind the globally acclaimed Harry Potter series died peacefully at home on Sunday after living with the illness for14 years.
Stuart’s family shared tribute, saying: ‘Our beloved husband and father, deeply loved and respected, was not only known for his talent but also for his kindness and we are moved by hearing of how many lives he touched.
‘He will live in our hearts forever.’
The Oscar-winning designer is survived by his wife, Patricia Stangroom, two children: Becky and Laura, and four grandchildren.
Following his death, JK Rowling, Harry Potter author paid a heartfelt tribute on X: ‘Working with Stuart Craig was one of the privileges of my life. He was a true visionary and conjured the wizarding world for screen as nobody else could have done.
He was also one of the nicest people you ever could hope to meet. My condolences to his loved ones.’
Producer David Heyman also shared his grief, saying: ‘He was one of the greatest production designers. He had a wonderful sense of story. It was a privilege to work with him.’
Meanwhile, David Yates, who directed the final four Potter films, described Craig as: ‘Stuart was a dear friend and colleague. He was a dear friend and colleague: he was a giant in our industry, always nurturing and supporting emerging design talent.’
Craig’s remarkable career included designing all eight Harry Potter films, as well as The English Patient and The Elephant man.
He won three Academy Awards, earned eight more Oscar nominations (including four for Harry Potter), and received 16 BAFTA nominations, winning three.