In the magical world of *Harry Potter*, the cast members have become more than just actors; they've been a part of our lives and memories. When we lose these beloved figures, fans honor them with a heartfelt "wands up." Here, we remember all the *Harry Potter* cast members we've sadly lost, listed in chronological order of their passing.
Harry Potter Cast Member Deaths, In Chronological Order
The journey into the Wizarding World began with the first *Harry Potter* movie in 2001. Over the years, we've cherished the magic they brought to our screens, but we've also had to say goodbye to some of the actors who made it all possible.
Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore
Richard Harris, who brought Albus Dumbledore to life in the first two *Harry Potter* films, passed away in 2002 from Hodgkin's Disease at the age of 72. His portrayal of the wise headmaster left a lasting impact on fans worldwide.
Robert Knox – Marcus Belby
Robert Knox portrayed the young Marcus Belby, a member of the Slug Club in *The Half-Blood Prince*. Tragically, he was just 18 years old when he died in a stabbing incident in 2008. His role was not recast for the remaining films, leaving a poignant absence in the series.
Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady
Elizabeth Spriggs brought charm to the role of the Fat Lady, the guardian of Gryffindor Tower, in the early films. Her character was recast for *The Prisoner of Azkaban* due to a change in the portrait's appearance and location. 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 subsequent 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 distinctive big glasses and erratic driving. He passed away in 2010 at the age of 85.
Alfred Burke – Armando Dippet
Alfred Burke portrayed the former Hogwarts headmaster, Armando Dippet, in *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*. He died in 2011 at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy in the magical world.
Richard Griffiths – Uncle Vernon Dursley
Richard Griffiths delivered the iconic line, "No post on Sundays," as Vernon Dursley throughout all *Harry Potter* films. He passed away in 2013 from heart surgery complications at the age of 65, leaving fans mourning the loss of a beloved character.
Peter Cartwright – Original Elphias Doge
Peter Cartwright played Elphias Doge, a member of the Order of the Phoenix, in *The Order of the Phoenix*. He passed away before filming *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 brought the terrifying werewolf Fenrir Greyback to life. He tragically passed away from heatstroke while hiking in 2014 at the age of 50, leaving a chilling void in the *Harry Potter* saga.
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 diabetes complications, and the role was recast for subsequent appearances. Deadman was 74 years old.
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, shortly after completing his role in the final films.
Alan Rickman – Professor Severus Snape
Alan Rickman's portrayal of the complex Severus Snape across all eight *Harry Potter* films remains unforgettable. He passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2016 at the age of 69, leaving fans with a profound sense of loss.
Terence Bayler – The Bloody Baron
Terence Bayler played the silent yet intimidating Slytherin ghost, the Bloody Baron. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 86, leaving behind a haunting presence in the *Harry Potter* series.
Hazel Douglas – Bathilda Bagshot
Hazel Douglas portrayed 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, adding another name to the list of beloved actors we've lost.
John Hurt – Ollivander
Sir John Hurt brought the enigmatic wandmaker Ollivander to life in the *Harry Potter* films. He died from pancreatic cancer in early 2017, just after his 77th birthday, leaving a lasting legacy in the Wizarding World.
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*. Beazley 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, remembered fondly for his role in the *Harry Potter* series.
Verne Troyer – Griphook
Verne Troyer played Griphook the goblin in *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*, though Warwick Davis provided the character's voice. Troyer tragically passed away from complications of alcohol intoxication, later ruled a suicide, in 2018 at the age of 49.
Paul Ritter – Eldred Worple
Paul Ritter played the minor character Eldred Worple, a former student of Professor Slughorn, in *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince*. He died from a brain tumor in 2021 at the young age of 54.
Helen McCrory – Narcissa Malfoy
Helen McCrory portrayed Narcissa Malfoy, Draco's mother, with grace and strength. She passed away from cancer in 2021 at the age of 52, leaving behind a powerful performance in the *Harry Potter* series.
Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid
Robbie Coltrane's portrayal of the beloved half-giant Hagrid endeared him to fans across all eight *Harry Potter* films. He passed away from organ failure in 2022 at the age of 72, leaving an indelible mark on the series.
Leslie Phillips – The Sorting Hat
Leslie Phillips was the voice behind Hogwarts' iconic Sorting Hat. Although never seen on screen, his distinctive voice was a crucial part of the *Harry Potter* experience. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 98.
Michael Gambon – Dumbledore (Prisoner of Azkaban onwards)
Sir Michael Gambon took over the role of Professor Albus Dumbledore starting with *The Prisoner of Azkaban*. He passed away after suffering from pneumonia in 2023 at the age of 82, leaving fans mourning the loss of another beloved Dumbledore.
Maggie Smith – Professor McGonagall
Dame Maggie Smith brought the stern yet caring Professor McGonagall to life in all eight *Harry Potter* films. She passed away in September 2024 at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of strength and wisdom.
Simon Fisher-Becker – Fat Friar
Simon Fisher-Becker appeared as the jovial ghost, the Fat Friar, in the first *Harry Potter* movie, *The Philosopher's Stone*. He passed away in March 2025 at the age of 63, remembered for his cheerful presence in the Wizarding World.
These actors brought magic to our screens and into our hearts. Their contributions to the *Harry Potter* series will never be forgotten. As we remember them, we raise our wands in tribute to their enduring legacy.
*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.*
