In the magical world of *Harry Potter*, the loss of any cast member feels like losing a piece of our cherished childhood. To honor their memory, fans often raise their "wands up" in tribute. Here, we remember the beloved actors who have passed away, listed in chronological order of their departure.
Harry Potter Cast Member Deaths, In Chronological Order
The journey to Hogwarts began with the first *Harry Potter* movie in 2001, and over the past two decades, we've been enchanted by the performances of many talented actors. Sadly, we've had to bid farewell to several of these magical figures.
Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore
Richard Harris, who brought the wise and powerful Albus Dumbledore to life in the first two *Harry Potter* films, passed away in 2002 at the age of 72 from Hodgkin’s Disease. His portrayal remains a cherished memory for fans.
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 when he was killed in a stabbing in 2008. His character was not recast for the remaining films, leaving a poignant mark on the series.
Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady
Elizabeth Spriggs portrayed the Fat Lady, the guardian of Gryffindor Tower, in the first two films. She passed away in 2008 at the age of 78. The role was recast for *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 *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 brief but memorable appearance as the 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 played the former headmaster of Hogwarts, 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, known for his iconic line "No post on Sundays," portrayed Vernon Dursley throughout the *Harry Potter* series. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 65 due to complications from heart surgery.
Peter Cartwright – Original Elphias Doge
Peter Cartwright played Elphias Doge, a member of the Order of the Phoenix, in *The Order of the Phoenix*. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 78, before the filming of *The Deathly Hallows: Part I*, leading to the role being recast.
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 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 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 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 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 wandmaker Ollivander to life in the *Harry Potter* films. He passed away from 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 endearing 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 passed away in 2018 from complications of alcohol intoxication, later ruled a suicide.
Paul Ritter – Eldred Worple
Paul Ritter played Eldred Worple, a minor character and former student of Professor Horace Slughorn, in *The Half-Blood Prince*. He passed away from a brain tumor in 2021 at the age of 54.
Helen McCrory – Narcissa Malfoy
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
Robbie Coltrane's portrayal of Hagrid, the beloved half-giant, 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 provided the voice for the Sorting Hat, a pivotal part of the Hogwarts experience. 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 Albus Dumbledore from the third *Harry Potter* film onwards. He passed away in 2023 at the age of 82 after suffering from pneumonia.
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 played 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.
These actors brought the magical world of *Harry Potter* to life, and their contributions will forever be remembered. As fans, we continue to honor their memory with a "wands up" tribute.
*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.*
