Harry Potter legend Stuart Craig has died aged 83 following a 14 year battle with Parkinson’s disease.
The Oscar-winning production designer, who worked on all eight of the Harry Potter films, died peacefully at home on Sunday, his family confirmed.
In a heartfelt tribute, his wife Patricia Stangroom, daughters Becky and Laura, and four grandchildren described him as “our beloved husband and father, deeply loved and respected, who was not only known for his talent but also for his kindness.” They added: “He will live on in our hearts forever.”
Craig’s career spanned more than five decades and included some of the most visually iconic films of all time. He won Academy Awards for best art direction on Gandhi, Dangerous Liaisons and The English Patient, and earned a further eight nominations, including four for the Harry Potter series. He was also nominated for 16 BAFTAs, winning three.
His influence on the wizarding world is still felt today, with many of the franchise’s most memorable sets, including Hogwarts, brought to life under his vision.
Author JK Rowling paid tribute on X, writing: “Working with Stuart Craig was one of the privileges of my life. He was a true visionary and conjured the wizarding world for the screen as nobody else could have done. He was also one of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet.”
Working with Stuart Craig was one of the privileges of my life. He was a true visionary and conjured the wizarding world for the screen as nobody else could have done. He was also one of the nicest people you ever could hope to meet. My deepest condolences to his loved ones. pic.twitter.com/wqS0qv4dqS
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 10, 2025
Harry Potter producer David Heyman said Craig was “one of the greatest production designers to work in film” and remembered him as “the kindest, most generous and supportive man” who “had the extraordinary ability to bring out the very best in everyone around him.”
Director David Yates, who helmed the final four Potter films, described Craig as “a dear friend and colleague… a giant in our industry, graceful, talented, stubborn and always nurturing and supporting emerging design talent.”
The British Film Designers Guild also shared a moving tribute from Neil Lamont, who was mentored by Craig on The English Patient, recalling him as “a true gentleman, with grace, kindness and humility.”
Craig collaborated frequently with set decorator Stephenie McMillan, and together the pair became synonymous with the magical world of Harry Potter.
