In the magical world of *Harry Potter*, the loss of a cast member feels like losing a piece of our childhood. Fans worldwide honor these beloved actors with a poignant "wands up" tribute. Here, we remember the actors from the *Harry Potter* series who have sadly passed away, listed in chronological order of their departure.
Harry Potter Cast Member Deaths, In Chronological Order
Over two decades since the first *Harry Potter* film enchanted audiences in 2001, we've had to bid farewell to many of the actors who brought the Wizarding World 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 in 2002 at the age of 72 due to Hodgkin's Disease. His portrayal left an indelible mark on the series.
Robert Knox – Marcus Belby
Robert Knox played the Slug Club member Marcus Belby in *The Half-Blood Prince*. Tragically, he was just 18 when he was killed in a stabbing incident in 2008. His role was not recast for subsequent films, leaving a void in the series.
Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady
Elizabeth Spriggs brought to life the animated portrait guarding Gryffindor Tower, the Fat Lady. She passed away in 2008 at the age of 78, and 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
Jimmy Gardner's brief but memorable appearance as the eccentric Knight Bus driver Ernie in *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 passed away in 2011 at the age of 92.
Richard Griffiths – Uncle Vernon Dursley
Richard Griffiths brought humor and frustration to the role of Uncle Vernon Dursley in all eight *Harry Potter* films. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 65 due to complications from heart surgery.
Peter Cartwright – Original Elphias Doge
Peter Cartwright played Order of the Phoenix member Elphias Doge in *The Order of the Phoenix*. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 78, before filming *The Deathly Hallows: Part I*, and the role was recast.
Dave Legeno – Fenrir Greyback
Dave Legeno portrayed the menacing 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 the landlord of the Leaky Cauldron, Tom, 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 in *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 Professor Severus Snape across all eight films remains iconic. He passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2016 at the age of 69.
Terence Bayler – The Bloody Baron
Terence Bayler played the haunting Slytherin ghost, the Bloody Baron. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 86.
Hazel Douglas – Bathilda Bagshot
Hazel Douglas played the mysterious Bathilda Bagshot 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 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 affable yet ineffective Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 91.
Verne Troyer – Griphook
Verne Troyer appeared as Griphook the goblin in *Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone*, though Warwick Davis provided the voice. Troyer sadly passed away in 2018 from complications of alcohol intoxication, later ruled a suicide.
Paul Ritter – Eldred Worple
Paul Ritter portrayed Eldred Worple, a former student of Professor Horace Slughorn, in *The Half-Blood Prince*. He died of a brain tumor in 2021 at the age of 54.
Helen McCrory – Narcissa Malfoy
Helen McCrory brought depth to the role of Narcissa Malfoy, Draco's mother. She passed away from cancer in 2021 at the age of 52.
Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid
Robbie Coltrane endeared audiences as the gentle giant Hagrid throughout all eight *Harry Potter* films. He died from organ failure in 2022 at the age of 72.
Leslie Phillips – The Sorting Hat
Leslie Phillips provided the voice for the Sorting Hat, a key element of Hogwarts. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 98.
Michael Gambon – Dumbledore (Prisoner of Azkaban onwards)
Sir Michael Gambon took on the role of Albus Dumbledore starting with *The Prisoner of Azkaban*. 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 films. She passed away in September 2024 at the age of 89.
Simon Fisher-Becker – Fat Friar
Simon Fisher-Becker played the jovial ghost of Hufflepuff, the Fat Friar, in *The Philosopher's Stone*. He passed away in March 2025 at the age of 63.
These actors, through their memorable performances, have left an everlasting legacy in the hearts of *Harry Potter* fans everywhere. Their contributions to the magical world will never be forgotten.
*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.*
