Harry Potter Cast Members' Deaths Chronologically Listed

In the magical world of *Harry Potter*, the actors who brought these beloved characters to life have left an indelible mark on fans worldwide. When we lose these cherished members of the original cast, the community honors their memory with a heartfelt "wands up" gesture. Over the years, many of these actors have passed away, leaving behind a legacy that continues to enchant and inspire. Here is a tribute to all the *Harry Potter* cast members we've lost, listed in chronological order of their passing.

Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore

Image via Warner Bros. 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 set the tone for the character's enduring legacy.

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 character was not recast for the remaining films, leaving a poignant gap in the series.

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 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. 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 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 subsequent films.

Jimmy Gardner – Knight Bus Driver Ernie

Image via Warner Bros. Jimmy Gardner's brief but memorable appearance as the Knight Bus driver Ernie in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban left a lasting impression. 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 died in 2011 at the age of 92.

Richard Griffiths – Uncle Vernon Dursley

Image via Warner Bros. Richard Griffiths delivered the iconic line "No post on Sundays" as Vernon Dursley in all the Harry Potter films. He 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 died in 2013 at the age of 78, before the filming of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I, leading to the role being recast.

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

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.

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

Image via Warner Bros. Alan Rickman's portrayal of the complex Severus Snape across all eight Harry Potter films remains unforgettable. He died 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 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 in early 2017, shortly 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

Image via Warner Bros. Robert Hardy played the bumbling yet affable Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge. He died 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. Troyer passed away in 2018 from complications of alcohol intoxication, later ruled a suicide.

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, with grace and intensity. She died of cancer in 2021 at the age of 52.

Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid

Image via Warner Bros. Robbie Coltrane's portrayal of the beloved half-giant Hagrid spanned all eight Harry Potter films. He passed away from organ failure in 2022 at the age of 72.

Leslie Phillips – The Sorting Hat

Leslie Phillips lent his voice to the iconic Sorting Hat, though he was never seen on screen. He died in 2022 at the age of 98.

Michael Gambon – Dumbledore (Prisoner of Azkaban onwards)

Sir Michael Gambon took over the role of Albus Dumbledore starting with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. He passed away after suffering from pneumonia in 2023 at the age of 82.

Maggie Smith – Professor McGonagall

Image via Warner Bros. 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.

Simon Fisher-Becker – Fat Friar

Simon Fisher-Becker appeared as the jovial ghost, the Fat Friar, in the first Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. He passed away in March 2025 at the age of 63.

These actors, through their performances, have become an integral part of our journey through the Wizarding World. Their contributions will forever be cherished, and their memories honored with a "wands up" from fans around the globe.

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.