Emma Watson Twitter Tribute To Fallen ‘Harry Potter’ Star, Actress Says Dave Legeno Was A ‘Lovely Man'

Emma Watson's Twitter tribute this week to her fallen "Harry Potter" co-star Dave Legeno was touching and heartfelt, and came amidst an outpouring of grief on the social network for the actor. Dave Legeno, who played Fenrir Greyback in the "Harry Potter" films, passed away after hiking through the Californian desert - he was in the notorious Death Valley, west of Zabriskie Point.

"I'm so sad to hear about #DaveLegeno," wrote the actress, best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Potter films. "He was such a lovely man. I hope he is resting in peace x."

The day before Emma Watson's Twitter message, which came from her official @EmWatson account, a fellow Potter co-star tweeted a similarly heartbroken message. Tom Felton, who tweets from @TomFelton and took on the persona of Draco Malfoy in the hit Potter franchise, was devastated.

"Gutted to hear the sad news about Dave Legeno," wrote Tom. "He was a true Big, Friendly, Gentleman. Was a pleasure every time we met #BFG #DaveLegeno."

Dave Legeno, a 50-year-old British actor who also featured in the 2000 film "Snatch" (directed by Guy Ritchie), played the role of villainous werewolf Fenrir Greyback in the "Harry Potter" movies. The werewolf was a sidekick of Lord Voldemort (as played by Ralph Fiennes) and his malevolent army, and fought against the likes of Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint).

Legeno's Fenrir Greyback character incited fear amongst the fictional wizarding community, and was first depicted in JK Rowling's bestselling novel series.

Some Potter fans may be surprised to discover that outside of the Harry Potter world, Dave Legeno was a mixed martial arts expert. While he did not embark upon his professional MMA career until the age of 42, Legeno quickly proved his talent and skills, winning his last four matches in the sport. In the MMA community, Dave Legeno went by the nickname of "The Enforcer".

Emma Watson's Twitter tribute sparked a number of replies from her followers, who joined her in mourning the late actor.