Harry Potter actor Jim Tavare in intensive care after head-on collision

Comedian and actor Jim Tavare is in intensive care after breaking his neck and puncturing a lung in a head-on car crash.

The 54-year-old is known for his role as Tom the Innkeeper from the third instalment of the Harry Potter film series, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

His wife, Laura, posted an update on Facebook about her husband's condition, saying he also broke 15 ribs, his right leg and breastbone.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up

"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," she said.

It is unknown where the crash took place, but The Guardian notes that he spends most of his time in Los Angeles.

A picture of the Essex-born actor giving the thumbs up from his hospital bed was also posted to Facebook.

David Baddiel‏ was among the people wishing him well, saying that his thoughts were with his "old comedy compatriot, the vvv funny Jim Tavare".

Tavare also co-wrote and starred in the Bafta-winning ITV series The Sketch Show.