'Indiana Jones' and 'Harry Potter' actor Michael Byrne dies at 82

Charlie Carballo, USA TODAYTue, June 30, 2026 at 8:18 PM UTC

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Michael Byrne, the veteran character actor known for roles in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1," has died. He was 82.

Byrne died June 20, according to The Guardian. A cause of death was not disclosed. USA TODAY has reached out to his representatives for comment.

Over a career that spanned six decades, London-born Byrne played supporting roles in a string of box office hits, including the James Bond film "Tomorrow Never Dies" and "Braveheart."

However, the British actor's most recognizable role may be that of Nazi Col. Ernst Vogel opposite Harrison Ford and Sean Connery in 1989's "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade." More recently, a younger generation might recognize him as the older version of wizard Gellert Grindelwald in 2010's "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1."

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Byrne remained active well into his later years, including appearing in the 2023 TV series "The Phoebus Files," as well as dramas including "C.B. Strike" and Netflix's "Bodies."

Before earning recognition on-screen, Byrne got his start in the theater. One of his earliest roles came in 1963 with Laurence Olivier's National Theatre Company at the Old Vic, followed by performances in London's West End. One of his final stage appearances came in Schiller's "Mary Stuart" in 2018. He also began building his TV credits throughout the '60s in shows like “No Hiding Place” and “Silent Playground.”

According to The Guardian, Byrne is survived by his wife, Carole, from whom "he was separated, but who cared for him towards the end of his life;" their daughters, Tara and Bryony; and three grandchildren, Tom, Chloe and Jasmine.

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