Stuart Craig, the Oscar-winning production designer who brought the magical look of Harry Potter to life, has passed away at the age of 83. His death was confirmed on Sunday, September 7, with reports stating he had battled Parkinson’s disease for years (via British Film Designers Guild member Neil Lamont on BFDG’s Facebook page).
Production Designer Stuart Craig passed away last night, 7th September 2025 aged 83, following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
The news of Stuart Craig’s heartbreaking demise comes just months after music legend Ozzy Osbourne’s passing on July 22. The BBC reported that the Black Sabbath frontman also struggled with Parkinson’s after being diagnosed in 2019, along with a series of health problems, including heart disease.
Neil Lamont, From the British Film Designers Guild, Paid His Tribute to Stuart Craig
The announcement about Stuart Craig’s tragic demise came from Neil Lamont, a fellow production designer, who shared a heartfelt tribute to the late legend via the British Film Designers Guild. Recalling their first meeting while working on The English Patient in Tunisia, Lamont described Craig as a mentor whose guidance shaped his journey in the film industry.
He praised Craig as one of the most respected film designers in the world, winning three Oscars for his incredible work. Beyond awards, Neil Lamont also highlighted Stuart Craig’s personal qualities, like his kindness, humility, and willingness to support those around him. For Lamont, Craig was more than just a colleague; he was a teacher and friend.
Stuart was the UK’s and, most probably, cinema’s most revered film Designer, winner of 3 Oscars, Gandhi, Dangerous Liaisons, and The English Patient, and many other awards. A true giant! 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.
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 which he conducted himself in all walks of life, in the Studio, the car, restaurants. A true gentleman, with grace, kindness, and humility. Stuart was very generous with his time and advice.
Lamont also reflected on their long collaboration across many films, including all eight Harry Potter movies and the Fantastic Beasts trilogy. He said working with Craig was a dream for anyone in the film world, and anyone who met him would never forget the experience. His tribute showed how deeply Stuart Craig’s talent and character touched those he worked with.
Stuart Craig’s True Role Behind Harry Potter Movies That Will Live Forever
Truly, as Neil Lamont suggested, Stuart Craig was not just a production designer. He was the real wizard behind the magic of the Harry Potter films. His imagination and artistry brought to life Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, the Ministry of Magic, and many more iconic places fans still adore today.
These sets became central to the magic of the films and gave audiences a world they could believe in. Additionally, Stuart Craig’s brilliance went beyond the big screen. His designs earned him four Oscar nods and six BAFTA nods (plus one win) for the Harry Potter films. They also became the foundation for Universal Studios’ Wizarding World theme parks.
The table contains details about Stuart Craig’s Oscar and BAFTA wins:
| Oscar Win for Films | Gandhi, Dangerous Liaisons, and The English Patient |
| BAFTA Win for Films | The Elephant Man, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them |
Before Harry Potter, Craig had already built a strong reputation with films like The Elephant Man, Chaplin, and The Secret Garden. He had also won Oscars for Gandhi, Dangerous Liaisons, and The English Patient. But it was his work on Harry Potter that made him a true cultural icon. His legacy will forever remain tied to the Wizarding World he helped shape.
The Harry Potter movies are available to watch on HBO Max.
Share your tributes to the late legend in the comments below.
