In the magical world of *Harry Potter*, the actors who brought our beloved characters to life have left an indelible mark on fans worldwide. As a tribute to their contributions and to honor their memory, we raise our wands in a heartfelt "wands up" gesture whenever we lose a member of the original cast. Here, we remember all the cherished *Harry Potter* actors we've said goodbye to, listed in the order of their passing.

Harry Potter Cast Member Deaths, In Chronological Order

The journey to Hogwarts began with the first *Harry Potter* movie in 2001. Over two decades later, we reflect on the joy and magic these actors brought into our lives, even as we mourn their departures.

Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore

Richard Harris, who portrayed the wise and powerful Albus Dumbledore in the first two *Harry Potter* films, passed away from Hodgkin's Disease in 2002 at the age of 72. His portrayal remains a cherished memory for fans.

Robert Knox – Marcus Belby

Robert Knox played Marcus Belby, a member of the Slug Club, in *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince*. Tragically, he was only 18 when he was killed in a stabbing in 2008. His role was not recast for subsequent films, leaving a poignant mark on the series.

Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady

Elizabeth Spriggs brought the Fat Lady, the guardian of Gryffindor Tower, to life. Her role was recast for *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban* due to a change in the character's depiction. Spriggs passed away in 2008 at the age of 78.

Timothy Bateson – Kreacher

Timothy Bateson provided the voice for Kreacher, the Black family house-elf, in *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*. He died in 2009 at the age of 83, before the series concluded. Simon McBurney later voiced the character in the remaining films.

Jimmy Gardner – Knight Bus Driver Ernie

Jimmy Gardner played the memorable Knight Bus driver, Ernie, in *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*. Known for his big glasses and erratic driving, Gardner passed away in 2010 at the age of 85.

Alfred Burke – Armando Dippet

Alfred Burke portrayed Armando Dippet, a former headmaster of Hogwarts, 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 brought the character of Vernon Dursley to life with his memorable "No post on Sundays" line. He appeared in all *Harry Potter* films and passed away in 2013 from heart surgery complications at the age of 65.

Peter Cartwright – Original Elphias Doge

Peter Cartwright played Elphias Doge, a member of the Order of the Phoenix, in *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*. He passed away before filming *Harry Potter and 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 fearsome werewolf Fenrir Greyback. He tragically died from heatstroke while hiking in 2014 at the age of 50.

Derek Deadman – Original Leaky Cauldron Landlord Tom

Derek Deadman played Tom, the landlord of the Leaky Cauldron, in the first *Harry Potter* film. He died in 2014 from complications of diabetes, and his role was recast for 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

Alan Rickman's portrayal of the complex Severus Snape across all eight *Harry Potter* films remains iconic. 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

Hazel Douglas portrayed Bathilda Bagshot, the author of *A History of Magic*, in *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I*. She died in 2016 at the age of 92.

John Hurt – Ollivander

Sir John Hurt brought the wandmaker Ollivander to life in the *Harry Potter* films. He died of pancreatic cancer shortly after his 77th birthday in early 2017.

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 played the bumbling yet affable Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 91.

Verne Troyer – Griphook

Verne Troyer played the goblin Griphook in *Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone*, though Warwick Davis provided the voice. Troyer sadly died from complications of alcohol intoxication, later ruled a suicide, in 2018.

Paul Ritter – Eldred Worple

Paul Ritter portrayed Eldred Worple, a minor character and 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

Helen McCrory played Narcissa Malfoy, Draco's mother, with grace and intensity. She passed away from cancer in 2021 at the age of 52.

Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid

Robbie Coltrane brought warmth and humor to the role of Hagrid in all eight *Harry Potter* films. He died from organ failure in 2022 at the age of 72.

Leslie Phillips – The Sorting Hat

Leslie Phillips was the voice behind the iconic Sorting Hat at Hogwarts. 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 Albus Dumbledore starting with *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*. He died 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 as the jovial ghost, Fat Friar, in *Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone*. He passed away in March 2025 at the age of 63.

As we remember these talented actors, we continue to celebrate the magic they brought to the *Harry Potter* series. Their legacies live on in the hearts of fans everywhere.

*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.*