True crime doc on tragic murder of Harry Potter actor leaves viewers in tears

The promising young actor was killed in 2008 at the age of 18.

K)Nox: The Rob Knox Story was commissioned and aired by ITV in 2021 and tells the story of Rob Knox's murder, just days after he had been filming on Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Knox was stabbed by 22-year-old Karl Bishop while defending his younger brother during a night out in Sidcup, London in 2008.

Bishop received a life sentence with a minimum of 20 years before parole consideration.

According to the Daily Mail, sentencing judge Mr Justice Bean described Bishop as ‘a highly dangerous man’.

He stated: "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.

The actor’s parents, Sally and Colin Knox, described their son as "kind and thoughtful."

"He would always help out others – he would spend his last penny on other people instead of himself," they added. "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."

Daniel Radcliffe penned an emotional tribute to his co-star at the time of his death.

"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 had appeared in ITV police drama The Bill and Channel 4 reality show Trust Me, I’m a Teenager, before securing the role of Marcus Belby in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

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.

The documentary about his life and death, which is available to stream on ITVX, prompted a response from viewers on social media.

On person wrote: "Doesn’t matter how many times I watch it… I am bawling my eyes out every time."

"This deserves more attention," wrote a second user.

Someone else commented: "Watched this last night. What a moving and emotional documentary."

One other person posted: "Cried all the way through. So so so sad. RIP Rob."

Sally and Colin Knox, as well as Rob's brother Jamie, continue to raise awareness of their son's legacy through The Rob Knox Foundation.

K)Nox: The Rob Knox Story was honored as Best Feature Documentary at the 2021 London Independent Film Festival.