When we lose members of the original *Harry Potter* cast, fans worldwide honor their memory with a poignant "wands up" gesture. These actors were not just entertainers; they were part of our growing up, shaping our childhoods with magic and wonder. Here, we pay tribute to those we've lost, remembering their contributions to the beloved Wizarding World.
Recommended Videos
Harry Potter Cast Member Deaths, In Chronological Order
The journey into the magical universe began with the first Harry Potter film in 2001. Over the past two decades, as we've revisited Hogwarts countless times, we've also had to bid farewell to several beloved actors who brought this enchanting world to life.
Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore
Image via Warner Bros.
Richard Harris, the first to don the robes of Albus Dumbledore, left us too soon due to Hodgkin’s Disease in 2002 at the age of 72. His portrayal laid the foundation for the wise and enigmatic headmaster we all came to love.
Robert Knox – Marcus Belby
Robert Knox's portrayal of Marcus Belby in The Half-Blood Prince was tragically cut short when he was stabbed at the young age of 18 in 2008. His character, a member of the Slug Club, was not recast, leaving a void in the series.
Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady
Image via Warner Bros.
Elizabeth Spriggs brought life to the painting that guards Gryffindor Tower. She passed away in 2008 at 78, after her role was recast for The Prisoner of Azkaban.
Timothy Bateson – Kreacher
Timothy Bateson voiced 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, and Simon McBurney took over the role.
Jimmy Gardner – Knight Bus Driver Ernie
Image via Warner Bros.
Jimmy Gardner's brief but memorable role as the eccentric Knight Bus driver Ernie in Prisoner of Azkaban left a lasting impression. He passed away in 2010 at 85.
Alfred Burke – Armando Dippet
Alfred Burke played the former headmaster of Hogwarts, Armando Dippet, in The Chamber of Secrets. He died in 2011 at the age of 92.
Richard Griffiths – Uncle Vernon Dursley
Image via Warner Bros.
Richard Griffiths' portrayal of the grumpy Uncle Vernon Dursley, famous for the line "No post on Sundays," was a staple throughout the series. He passed away in 2013 from heart surgery complications at 65.
Peter Cartwright – Original Elphias Doge
Peter Cartwright played Elphias Doge in The Order of the Phoenix but passed away before The Deathly Hallows: Part I could be filmed, leading to a recasting. He died in 2013 at 78.
Dave Legeno – Fenrir Greyback
Image via Warner Bros.
Dave Legeno brought the terrifying werewolf Fenrir Greyback to life. Tragically, he died from heatstroke while hiking in 2014 at the age of 50.
Derek Deadman – Original Leaky Cauldron Landlord Tom
Derek Deadman portrayed Tom, the Leaky Cauldron’s landlord, in the first Harry Potter film. He passed away in 2014 from diabetes complications, and the role was recast for later films.
David Ryall – Elphias Doge (Deathly Hallows)
David Ryall took over the role of Elphias Doge in The Deathly Hallows. He died in 2014 at the age of 79.
Related: All Harry Potter Characters in Quidditch Champions & How To Get Them
Alan Rickman – Professor Severus Snape
Image via Warner Bros.
Alan Rickman's complex portrayal of Severus Snape spanned all eight films. He passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2016 at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy of depth and nuance.
Terence Bayler – The Bloody Baron
Terence Bayler played the silent but eerie Slytherin ghost, the Bloody Baron. He passed away in 2016 at 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 enigmatic wandmaker Ollivander to life. He succumbed to pancreatic cancer in early 2017, just after his 77th birthday.
Sam Beazley – Portrait of Professor Everard
Sam Beazley played the portrait of Professor Everard in 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 portrayed the affable yet bumbling Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge. He died in 2017 at the age of 91.
Verne Troyer – Griphook
In The Philosopher’s Stone, Verne Troyer played the goblin Griphook, though Warwick Davis provided the voice. Troyer tragically passed away from alcohol intoxication, ruled as a suicide, in 2018.
Paul Ritter – Eldred Worple
Paul Ritter's minor role as Eldred Worple in The Half-Blood Prince showcased his talent. He died of a brain tumor in 2021 at the young age of 54.
Helen McCrory – Narcissa Malfoy
Image via Warner Bros.
Helen McCrory brought depth to the character of Narcissa Malfoy. She passed away from cancer in 2021 at 52.
Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid
Image via Warner Bros.
Robbie Coltrane's portrayal of Hagrid was a cornerstone of the series. He died from organ failure in 2022 at the age of 72.
Leslie Phillips – The Sorting Hat
Though unseen, Leslie Phillips' voice as the Sorting Hat was iconic. 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 Dumbledore from the third film. He died after suffering from pneumonia in 2023 at 82.
Maggie Smith – Professor McGonagall
Image via Warner Bros.
Dame Maggie Smith's portrayal of Professor McGonagall was a constant through all eight 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 Philosopher’s Stone. He passed away in March 2025 at the age of 63.
And that’s all Harry Potter cast members we've lost, remembered in the 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.
