When we lose members of the original *Harry Potter* cast, fans send out a “wands up” in honor of their memory. For many of us, these actors were integral parts of growing up, so to honor their memory, here are all of the *Harry Potter* cast we’ve lost.
Recommended Videos Harry Potter Cast Member Deaths, In Chronological Order
The first *Harry Potter* movie premiered in 2001, marking over two decades since the original cast first transported us to Hogwarts and the Wizarding World. Unfortunately, time has also meant bidding farewell to several beloved actors who brought this magical universe to life.
Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore
Image via Warner Bros. Richard Harris, who portrayed Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films, passed away from Hodgkin’s Disease in 2002 at the age of 72.
Robert Knox – Marcus Belby
Robert Knox played the role of Marcus Belby, a member of the Slug Club in The Half-Blood Prince. Tragically, he was killed in a stabbing incident in 2008 at just 18 years old. His character, though minor, was not recast for the subsequent films.
Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady
Image via Warner Bros. Elizabeth Spriggs brought to life the painting that guards Gryffindor Tower, known as the Fat Lady. Her role was recast for The Prisoner of Azkaban when the portrait was given a new look and location. Spriggs passed away in 2008 at the age of 78.
Timothy Bateson – Kreacher
Timothy Bateson provided the voice for the Black family's house-elf, Kreacher, in The Order of the Phoenix. He died in 2009 at the age of 83, before the series concluded. Simon McBurney took over the role for the remaining Harry Potter films.
Jimmy Gardner – Knight Bus Driver Ernie
Image via Warner Bros. Jimmy Gardner's brief appearance as the Knight Bus driver Ernie in Prisoner of Azkaban left a lasting impression with his iconic big-glasses look and erratic driving. He passed away in 2010 at the age of 85.
Alfred Burke – Armando Dippet
Alfred Burke portrayed Hogwarts' former headmaster, Armando Dippet, in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. He passed away in 2011 at the age of 92.
Richard Griffiths – Uncle Vernon Dursley
Image via Warner Bros. Richard Griffiths delivered the memorable line, “No post on Sundays,” as Vernon Dursley in all of the Harry Potter films. He passed away in 2013 from complications following heart surgery at the age of 65.
Peter Cartwright – Original Elphias Doge
Peter Cartwright played the Order of the Phoenix member Elphias Doge in the Order of the Phoenix film. He died before the filming of The Deathly Hallows: Part I, leading to the role being recast. Cartwright passed away in 2013 at the age of 78.
Dave Legeno – Fenrir Greyback
Image via Warner Bros. Dave Legeno portrayed the terrifying werewolf Fenrir Greyback. He tragically died from heatstroke while hiking in 2014 at the age of 50.
Derek Deadman – Original Leaky Cauldron Landlord Tom
In the first Harry Potter film, Derek Deadman played Tom, the landlord of the Leaky Cauldron. He died in 2014 from complications related to diabetes, and the role was recast for his appearances in later films.
David Ryall – Elphias Doge (Deathly Hallows)
David Ryall took over the role of Elphias Doge for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. He passed away in 2014 at the age of 79.
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Alan Rickman – Professor Severus Snape
Image via Warner Bros. Alan Rickman brought the complex character of Severus Snape to life in all eight Harry Potter films. He passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2016 at the age of 69.
Terence Bayler – The Bloody Baron
Terence Bayler played the silent but eerie Slytherin ghost, the Bloody Baron. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 86.
Hazel Douglas – Bathilda Bagshot
Image via Warner Bros. Hazel Douglas portrayed Bathilda Bagshot, the author of A History of Magic, in The Deathly Hallows: Part I. She died in 2016 at the age of 92.
John Hurt – Ollivander
Sir John Hurt brought the character of wandmaker Ollivander to life in the Harry Potter films. He died of pancreatic cancer in early 2017, shortly after his 77th birthday.
Sam Beazley – Portrait of Professor Everard
Sam Beazley portrayed the portrait of Professor Everard, with whom Dumbledore briefly converses in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 101.
Robert Hardy – Cornelius Fudge
Image via Warner Bros. Robert Hardy played the bumbling yet likable Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 91.
Verne Troyer – Griphook
In Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Verne Troyer played Griphook the goblin, though Warwick Davis provided the voice. After Troyer's passing, Davis took over the role. Troyer died from complications of alcohol intoxication, later ruled a suicide, in 2018.
Paul Ritter – Eldred Worple
Paul Ritter played the minor character Eldred Worple, a former student of Professor Horace Slughorn, in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. He died of a brain tumor in 2021 at the age of 54.
Helen McCrory – Narcissa Malfoy
Image via Warner Bros. Helen McCrory portrayed Narcissa Malfoy, Draco's mother. She passed away from cancer in 2021 at the age of 52.
Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid
Image via Warner Bros. Robbie Coltrane brought the beloved half-giant Hagrid to life in all eight Harry Potter movies. He died from organ failure in 2022 at the age of 72.
Leslie Phillips – The Sorting Hat
Though never seen on screen, Leslie Phillips was the voice behind Hogwarts’ Sorting Hat. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 98.
Michael Gambon – Dumbledore (Prisoner of Azkaban onwards)
Sir Michael Gambon took on the role of Professor Albus Dumbledore starting with the third Harry Potter film. He died after suffering from pneumonia in 2023 at the age of 82.
Maggie Smith – Professor McGonagall
Image via Warner Bros. Dame Maggie Smith portrayed Professor McGonagall in all eight Harry Potter films. She passed away in September 2024 at the age of 89.
Simon Fisher-Becker – Fat Friar
Simon Fisher-Becker appeared in the very first Harry Potter movie, the Philosopher’s Stone, as the Hogwarts ghost, Fat Friar. He passed away in March 2025 at the age of 63.
And that’s all *Harry Potter* cast deaths in order of their passing.
The Harry Potter movies are streaming now on Peacock.
The above article was updated on 3/10/2025 by Escapist Editorial to include additional Harry Potter cast member.
