All Harry Potter Cast Deaths in Order of Their Passing

When we lose beloved members of the original Harry Potter cast, fans worldwide honor their memory with a poignant "wands up" tribute. These actors were not just performers; they were integral parts of our growing up, shaping our childhoods with their magical portrayals. To pay tribute to their enduring legacy, here is a chronological list of all the Harry Potter cast members we've sadly lost over the years.

Harry Potter Cast Member Deaths, In Chronological Order

The first Harry Potter movie hit theaters in 2001, marking the beginning of a journey that transported us to the enchanting world of Hogwarts. Over two decades later, we've had to bid farewell to many of the actors who brought this magical universe to life.

Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore

Richard Harris, who portrayed the wise and venerable 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 a lasting impression of the beloved headmaster.

Robert Knox – Marcus Belby

Robert Knox played Marcus Belby, a member of the Slug Club in The Half-Blood Prince. Tragically, he was only 18 years old when he was fatally stabbed in 2008. His role was not recast for the remaining films, leaving a poignant mark on the series.

Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady

Elizabeth Spriggs brought the iconic Fat Lady painting to life, guarding Gryffindor Tower. She passed away in 2008 at the age of 78, and the role was recast for The Prisoner of Azkaban when the character received a new look and location.

Timothy Bateson – Kreacher

Timothy Bateson voiced 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 remaining films.

Jimmy Gardner – Knight Bus Driver Ernie

Jimmy Gardner's memorable portrayal of the Knight Bus driver Ernie in Prisoner of Azkaban left a lasting impression with his big glasses and erratic driving. 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 passed away in 2011 at the age of 92.

Richard Griffiths – Uncle Vernon Dursley

Richard Griffiths delivered the iconic line "No post on Sundays" as Vernon Dursley in all Harry Potter films. He passed away in 2013 from heart surgery complications at the age of 65.

Peter Cartwright – Original Elphias Doge

Peter Cartwright portrayed Elphias Doge, a member of the Order of the Phoenix, in The Order of the Phoenix. He passed away before the filming of 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.

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

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.

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 The Deathly Hallows: Part I. She passed away in 2016 at the age of 92.

John Hurt – Ollivander

Sir John Hurt brought the enigmatic 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

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 Griphook the goblin in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, though Warwick Davis provided the voice. Troyer sadly passed away 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'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 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 third Harry Potter film. He passed away 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, the Fat Friar, in the first Harry Potter movie, The Philosopher’s Stone. He passed away in March 2025 at the age of 63.

And that concludes the list of Harry Potter cast members we've lost, in the order of their passing. Their contributions to the magical world of Harry Potter will forever be cherished and remembered.

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.