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 members we’ve lost.
Harry Potter Cast Member Deaths, In Chronological Order
The first *Harry Potter* movie came out in 2001, meaning over 20 years have passed since the original cast first took us to Hogwarts and the Wizarding World. Sadly, that also means we’ve had to say goodbye to many of the actors who helped create this magical world.
Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore
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. His portrayal of the wise and beloved headmaster left a lasting impact on fans worldwide.
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 was not recast for the remaining films, leaving a poignant reminder of his brief but impactful presence.
Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady
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's appearance and location changed. Spriggs passed away in 2008 at the age of 78.
Timothy Bateson – Kreacher
Timothy Bateson lent his voice to the Black family's house-elf, Kreacher, in *The Order of the Phoenix*. He passed away in 2009 at the age of 83, before the series concluded. Simon McBurney took over the role for the remaining films.
Jimmy Gardner – Knight Bus Driver Ernie
Jimmy Gardner's brief but memorable appearance as the Knight Bus driver Ernie in *Prisoner of Azkaban* left a lasting impression with his iconic big glasses 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
Richard Griffiths delivered the iconic 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 portrayed Elphias Doge, a member of the Order of the Phoenix, in *The Order of the Phoenix*. He passed away before the filming of *The Deathly Hallows: Part I*, leading to the role being recast. Cartwright died in 2013 at the age of 78.
Dave Legeno – Fenrir Greyback
Dave Legeno portrayed the terrifying werewolf Fenrir Greyback. He tragically passed away 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 later appearances.
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.
Alan Rickman – Professor Severus Snape
Alan Rickman played the complex and beloved character of Severus Snape in all eight *Harry Potter* films. He passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2016 at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances.
Terence Bayler – The Bloody Baron
Terence Bayler portrayed the silent but eerie Slytherin ghost, the Bloody Baron. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 86.
Hazel Douglas – Bathilda Bagshot
Hazel Douglas played the author of *A History of Magic*, Bathilda Bagshot, in *The Deathly Hallows: Part I*. She passed away 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, just after his 77th birthday.
Sam Beazley – Portrait of Professor Everard
Sam Beazley portrayed the portrait of Professor Everard in *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*. He passed away in 2017 at the remarkable age of 101.
Robert Hardy – Cornelius Fudge
Robert Hardy portrayed the inept but affable 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 he did not provide the character's voice. Warwick Davis later took over the role after Troyer's passing. Troyer sadly 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 passed away from a brain tumor in 2021 at the age of 54.
Helen McCrory – Narcissa Malfoy
Helen McCrory portrayed Narcissa Malfoy, Draco's mother, in the *Harry Potter* series. She passed away from cancer in 2021 at the age of 52.
Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid
Robbie Coltrane brought to life the beloved half-giant Hagrid in all eight *Harry Potter* movies. He passed away 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 stepped into the role of Professor Albus Dumbledore starting with the third *Harry Potter* film. He passed away after suffering from pneumonia in 2023 at the age of 82.
Maggie Smith – Professor McGonagall
Dame Maggie Smith portrayed the stern yet caring 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 first *Harry Potter* movie, *The Philosopher’s Stone*, as the jovial ghost, the 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.*
