Comedian and actor Jim Tavare, who once appeared in a Harry Potter movie, is in intensive care in hospital after being involved in a horrifying car crash that left him with a broken neck and punctured lung.

The 54 year old English-born actor played the part of Tom the Innkeeper of the Leaky Cauldron in the third Harry Potter movie, The Prisoner of Azkaban.

News of the appalling injuries Tavare had suffered were made public by his wife, Laura, in a message via the star’s Facebook page. It did not disclose how or where the crash took place, although Tavare is known to spend much of his time in Los Angeles.

Jim Tavare Laura TavareJim Tavare with his wife Laura in 2013

“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.”

A picture of Tavare awake and conscious in his hospital bed, giving the thumbs up to camera, was posted alongside his wife’s update on his condition.

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“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,” she continued.

“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.”

Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Tavare has had a lengthy career in stand-up comedy, in which he always performs in a dinner jacket and with a double bass. In addition, he has appeared in a number of movies, and won a BAFTA for his involvement in writing the hit comedy series ‘The Sketch Show’ on ITV.

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