Annie Walton Doyle
Viewers have been left devastated after watching a true crime documentary about Harry Potter star Rob Knox.
Since the beloved franchise first graced the big screen, fans have mourned the loss of numerous stars from the wizarding world.
One particular loss occurred in 2008 when Knox was tragically killed at age 18.
Knox’s first credited role was in the ITV police drama The Bill, he also appeared in Channel 4’s reality show Trust Me, I’m a Teenager, and the BBC comedy After You’re Gone.
His breakthrough came with his role as Marcus Belby in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, released posthumously in 2009.
Although his character does not appear in the seventh novel, Knox was set to reprise his role in the final film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
After learning of Knox’s untimely passing, tributes poured in.
The actor’s parents, Sally and Colin Knox, said in a statement (per The Guardian): “Rob was kind and thoughtful and would always help out others – he would spend his last penny on other people instead of himself.
“The life and soul of the party, he was very outgoing, loved sports, and would always strike up a conversation with people.
“He was respectful to others and adored by his family and friends.”
At Knox’s funeral, his grief-stricken father spoke of his son’s passion for acting and excitement at being part of the Harry Potter series.
His dad stated: “It seemed like this might have been his big break, but just after it came, he was taken away from us.”
Several Harry Potter attended the star’s funeral – among those attending the memorial service was co-star Alfie Enoch.
Enoch, who plays Dean Thomas, said, per the Daily Mail: “I can’t really talk about what happened, it was a beautiful service.”
Daniel Radcliffe penned an emotional tribute to his co-star, which read: “Dear Rob, We are all proud to have known you and devastated to have lost you. It is terrible just to write this note. Rest in peace, Dan xxx.”
He then quoted author D.H. Lawrence: “To anyone who reads this remember ‘The dead don’t die. They look on and help.’”
Rupert Grint also wrote a tribute: “Rob, It was an honor to have known you and whenever I’m on the Southend strip I’ll be thinking of you. Rest in peace mate.”
Knox was stabbed by 22-year-old Karl Bishop while defending his younger brother during a night out in Sidcup, London.
Bishop received a life sentence with a minimum of 20 years before parole consideration.
He was described as ‘a highly dangerous man’ by sentencing judge Mr. Justice Bean, who stated (per Daily Mail): “I do not think it is proved that you intended to kill Robert Knox. The truth is that you simply could not care less whether you killed him or not.”
The judge said he wanted Bishop’s sentence to be a deterrent, as too many teenagers are being killed with knives.
ITV commissioned a documentary following the tragedy, shedding light on Knox’s achievements and the impact of his death.
It features insights from the actor’s family, friends, and Harry Potter co-stars, including Jim Broadbent and Tom Felton.
Following its release, people took to social media and shared that it had left them ‘in tears,’ with one writing: “Watched this last night. What a moving and emotional documentary.”
A second says: “Cried all the way through. So so so sad. RIP Rob.”
“This deserves more attention,” comments a third viewer.
Someone else says: “Doesn’t matter how many times I watch it… I am bawling my eyes out every time.”
K)Nox: The Rob Knox Story was honored as Best Feature Documentary at the 2021 London Independent Film Festival.
Aaron Truss, the director of the documentary and the co-director of the Rob Knox Film Festival, has spoken to IGV about his experiences making the heartbreaking doc.
The director had known the late actor’s family for years, having gone to D&B Theatre school with Knox.
He explained that the idea originated in 2013 when another filmmaker approached the actor’s family, recalling: “I was interviewed for it, along with Dani Harmer and Rob’s family.
“Unfortunately, the project dragged along for a few years, and the family wasn’t happy with the end result.”
Knox’s father approached Truss in late 2018 and asked if he would ‘look at it with fresh eyes.’
The director explained: “When I took over the project as director, it was at a time when Netflix was really taking off with true crime documentaries.
“The documentary form was also having a somewhat renaissance, with people binging biographies, true crime, and all sorts.”
Truss brought on creative consultants Alice Amata, Neuma Llusia, and Benedetta Magoga to ensure an unbiased perspective.
He wanted the doc to explore the U.K. justice system over the last decade, look at the government, and count all the murders since Knox.
The director also wanted to delve deeper into the events leading up to his death, recounting: “I invited Jamie [Rob’s brother] and some of Rob’s friends who were there that night to my house for dinner, and we went through everything.
“Surprisingly, it was the first time that they themselves had sat in a room and talked about it.”
He added: “I knew immediately that if I wanted audiences to feel the deep, heavy loss of Rob, I’d have to build his story as best I could through his family, friends, and his acting work.”
Truss’s documentary on Knox is a heartfelt tribute to a dear friend and a powerful call to action against knife crime.
The director emphasized: “I hope Rob’s story will touch the hearts of families watching. This documentary is for everyone; Rob’s story is universal.”
(K)Nox: The Rob Knox Story is available via BBC Select for U.S.A. and Canadian viewers. U.K. viewers can stream via ITVX.
You can learn more about the Rob Knox Foundation here.
Watch the emotional trailer below…
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