Harry Potter Icon Stuart Craig Passes Away Following Parkinson’s Battle

Harry Potter legend Stuart Craig has died aged 83 after a battle with Parkinson’s disease. 

The multi-Oscar winning production designer died peacefully at home on Sunday after 14 years of living with the illness. 

A tribute from Stuart’s heartbroken family read: ‘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 on in our hearts forever.’

Stuart worked on all eight of the Harry Potter films where he helped design the sets as well as The English Patient and The Elephant Man.

He won three Oscars – though not for Harry Potter – and was nominated for eight more, including four for the Harry Potter films. He also had a whopping 16 BAFTA nominations and won three.

He is survived by his wife Patricia Stangroom – whom he married in 1965 – two children, Becky and Laura, and four grandchildren. 

He won Best Art Direction Oscars for Gandhi, Dangerous Liaisons and The English Patient. 

Posting about his death, the British Film Designers Guild shared a tribute from Neil Lamont, who was mentored by Stuart, while the tribute from his family was shared by The Guardian. 

The statement from Neil read: ‘It is with great sadness, that I report that my friend and mentor, production designer Stuart Craig passed away last night, 7th September 2025, aged 83, following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

‘Stuart and I first worked together on The English Patient, flying to Tunis to join him was one of the most important days of my career. Straight out of the airport, on a recce of a local derelict, ruined building, 40 degrees, nervous, and I probably did one of the poorest surveys ever on a location. It turned out that we subsequently found better places.

‘The experiences I had on this film, not only allowed me to see Stuart’s talent, his beautiful sketches, pencil drawings and vision, but also the way [in] which he conducted himself in all walks of life, in the Studio, the car, restaurants.

‘A true gentleman, with grace, kindness and humility.

‘I bet that anyone you ask, “which designer would you like to work with the most”, the answer 100 per cent would be Stuart Craig, and anyone who met him will remember their encounter forever.

‘I replay all mine, all the time, he will never be forgotten. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. I’m so glad I didn’t get the “tin tack” in Tunisia.

‘That’s another story that I will share over a glass or two when toasting and remembering “The Gov” with great fondness. Cheers Stuart.’

JK Rowling paid tribute to him as she penned 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 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.’

Meanwhile David Heyman, producer of the Harry Potter series, said in his tribute: ‘Stuart Craig was one of the greatest production designers to work in film.

‘He was also the kindest, most generous and supportive man.

‘He had exquisite taste and a wonderful sense of story. He also had the extraordinary ability to bring out the very best in everyone around him.

‘It was a privilege to work with him, and to be in his orbit.’

David Yates, director of the final four Potter films, said in his tribute: ‘Stuart was a dear friend and colleague: he was a giant in our industry, graceful, talented, stubborn and always nurturing and supporting emerging design talent.

‘We will all miss him a great deal.’

Stuart helped design the Harry Potter sets with frequent collaborator and set decorator, the late Stephenie McMillan.