‘Harry Potter’ Actor Fighting For Life After Car Crash

Actor Jim Tavare, best known for his role in the Harry Potter film, ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,’ was reportedly in a severe car crash and is currently fighting for his life.

Tavare, a 54-year-old English-born actor and comedian, was confirmed to be the victim of the crash by his wife, Laura – who posted a statement on Facebook informing family and friends.

“This is Laura here. Now that his family have been informed, Jim has asked me to let you all know that he was involved in a serious car accident yesterday, a head-on collision,” the statement read. 

“He’s currently in ICU intensive care. He has 15 broken ribs, fractures in both breastbones, a punctured lung, multiple breaks in his right leg, and a broken neck. He’s had two blood transfusions so far and is about to go in for his first surgery. This is for real, not a movie role. Please hold some good thoughts for him as he fights his way out of this.”

A photo of Tavare in a hospital bed, giving a thumbs up, was later posted to his Facebook page.

Within hours of the news, fans and friends sent their well wishes to the actor. 

“Sending lots of love and the fact that there’s a thumbs up must be a positive,” one fan said. 

“Wishing our mate @jimtavare speedy recovery after terrible car crash. Hoping thumbs up means you’ll be playing with that double bass soon,” friend Omid Djalili wrote on Twitter.

Tavare’s role of Tom the Innkeeper in the Harry Potter film made him an instantly recognizable actor, who later landed roles in shows like Chuck and Californication.

“If the “broken neck” didn’t sever the spinal cord, he’ll be all right (albeit with months of recovery). If it was a transverse fracture of the bony parts only (not uncommon), he’ll not be paralyzed. If the cord was severed…he’s facing a life-changing event. Wishing him well,” one Daily Mail reader commented in response to the story.

“Jim Tavare is not just a Harry Potter actor, he’s also an awesome standup comedian. Wishing him a speedy recovery, what an awful thing to happen to a nice & funny guy,” another reader pointed out.

“I cannot imagine the pain he must be in, hope the doctors are giving him extra medication. Hope he gets better. He’s in for a lot of rehabilitation wish him luck as well,” another added. 

Some readers expressed their shock over the extent of his injuries, and wished him a successful and speedy recovery.

“OMG ..He has 15 broken ribs, fractures in both breastbones, a punctured lung, multiple breaks in his right leg, and a broken neck. Hope doctors are giving him max doses of pain medication. He is one strong dude to survive this head on crash. You can make it dude Good luck,” one reader wrote.

Sources: The Guardian, Daily Mail / Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons, Daily Mail