(Photo: Getty Images)
Tributes are being paid to Leslie Phillips, the dapper and playful actor known for his roles in the quintessentially British Carry On and Doctor films. 
As the BBC reports, Phillips' agent confirmed he passed peacefully in his sleep on Monday (November 9). His wife Zara described him as a "wonderful husband," adding: "He was quite simply a national treasure. People loved him. He was mobbed everywhere he went."
Phillips' incredibly prolific career stretched from the late 1930s until the early 2010s. According to IMDb, he amassed no fewer than 1974 acting credits including four Carry On movies and three Doctor films. Through the Carry On films in particular, he became known for his lightly suggestive way of saying the catchphrases "ding dong" and "hello." 
However, later in his career he also became known for playing dramatic roles. He appeared in the Oscar-winning 1985 film Out of Africa, Steven Spielberg's 1987 war movie Empire of the Sun, and earned a BAFTA nomination for his performance opposite Peter O'Toole in the 2006 film Venus. He also provided the voice of The Sorting Hat in the Harry Potter movies. Among his other voice roles was a 2004 Doctor Who audio drama, Medicinal Purposes.
Over on Twitter, the BBC Archive account shared a funny interview clip from 1995 in which Phillips discusses his acting career and treats the audience to his signature "hello." You can also watch him talk a little about his catchphrases below.

Phillips was awarded an OBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998, then received a CBE nine years later. In 2010, he was awarded the Freedom of the City of London honor.
He is survived by his four children as well as by his wife.
Rest in Peace, Leslie Phillips, and thank you for your contribution.