Harry Potter Cast Members' Deaths Chronologically

The *Harry Potter* series has captivated audiences worldwide, and the cast members who brought the magical world to life have left an indelible mark on fans. As we mourn the loss of these beloved actors, we honor their memory with a "wands up" tribute. Here is a chronological list of the *Harry Potter* cast members we've sadly lost over the years.

Harry Potter Cast Member Deaths, In Chronological Order

Over two decades have passed since the first *Harry Potter* movie introduced us to Hogwarts and the enchanting Wizarding World. During this time, we've had to bid farewell to several actors who played crucial roles in creating this beloved universe.

Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore

Image via Warner Bros.
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 compassionate headmaster remains a cherished memory for many 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 killed in a stabbing incident in 2008 at the young age of 18. His character was not recast for the remaining films, leaving a lasting impact on the series.

Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady

Image via Warner Bros.
Elizabeth Spriggs brought to life the painting guarding Gryffindor Tower, known as the Fat Lady. She passed away in 2008 at the age of 78. The role was recast for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban when the character's appearance and location changed.

Timothy Bateson – Kreacher

Timothy Bateson voiced 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 took over the role for the remaining films.

Jimmy Gardner – Knight Bus Driver Ernie

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Jimmy Gardner's brief but memorable appearance as the erratic 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 played the former Hogwarts 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

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Richard Griffiths, known for his iconic line "No post on Sundays," portrayed Uncle Vernon Dursley throughout the Harry Potter series. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 65 following complications from heart surgery.

Peter Cartwright – Original Elphias Doge

Peter Cartwright portrayed 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

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Dave Legeno brought the terrifying werewolf Fenrir Greyback to life. 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 passed away 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 died in 2014 at the age of 79.

Alan Rickman – Professor Severus Snape

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Alan Rickman's portrayal of the complex Severus Snape across all eight Harry Potter films is unforgettable. 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 died in 2016 at the age of 86.

Hazel Douglas – Bathilda Bagshot

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Hazel Douglas portrayed Bathilda Bagshot, the author of A History of Magic, in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I. She passed away 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, 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

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Robert Hardy played the bumbling yet likable 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 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 died of a brain tumor in 2021 at the age of 54.

Helen McCrory – Narcissa Malfoy

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

Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid

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Robbie Coltrane's portrayal of the lovable 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 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 in 2023 at the age of 82 after suffering from pneumonia.

Maggie Smith – Professor McGonagall

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Dame Maggie Smith portrayed the stern yet caring Professor McGonagall throughout all eight Harry Potter films. She passed away in September 2024 at the age of 89.

Simon Fisher-Becker – Fat Friar

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

These actors have left behind a legacy that continues to inspire and entertain fans around the globe. Their contributions to the *Harry Potter* series will forever be remembered and cherished.

*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.*