Harry Potter Cast Members' Deaths Chronologically

The world of *Harry Potter* has been a magical escape for millions, and the actors who brought the beloved characters to life have become a cherished part of our lives. When we lose members of the original cast, fans worldwide honor their memory with a poignant "wands up" gesture. Here's a tribute to all the *Harry Potter* cast members we've sadly lost, listed in chronological order of their passing.

Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore

Image via Warner Bros. Richard Harris, who portrayed the wise and enigmatic Albus Dumbledore in the first two *Harry Potter* films, left us in 2002 after battling Hodgkin's Disease. He was 72 years old.

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 role was not recast for the remaining films.

Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady

Image via Warner Bros. Elizabeth Spriggs brought the portrait of the Fat Lady to life, guarding Gryffindor Tower. 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 passed away in 2009 at the age of 83, before the series concluded. Simon McBurney took over the role for the subsequent films.

Jimmy Gardner – Knight Bus Driver Ernie

Image via Warner Bros. Jimmy Gardner's brief but memorable role 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 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

Image via Warner Bros. Richard Griffiths brought to life the iconic Uncle Vernon Dursley, known for his "No post on Sundays" line, across 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 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 for *The Deathly Hallows: Part I*, leading to the role being recast.

Dave Legeno – Fenrir Greyback

Image via Warner Bros. Dave Legeno chillingly portrayed the 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 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 later films.

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

Image via Warner Bros. Alan Rickman's portrayal of the complex Severus Snape across all eight *Harry Potter* films was unforgettable. 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

Image via Warner Bros. 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

Image via Warner Bros. Robert Hardy played the well-meaning but often misguided Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 91.

Verne Troyer – Griphook

Verne Troyer portrayed Griphook the goblin in *Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone*, although Warwick Davis provided the character's voice. Troyer passed away from complications of alcohol intoxication in 2018, later ruled a suicide.

Paul Ritter – Eldred Worple

Paul Ritter played Eldred Worple, a former student of Professor Slughorn, in *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince*. He passed away from a brain tumor in 2021 at the age of 54.

Helen McCrory – Narcissa Malfoy

Image via Warner Bros. Helen McCrory brought to life the elegant yet fierce Narcissa Malfoy, mother of Draco. She passed away from cancer in 2021 at the age of 52.

Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid

Image via Warner Bros. 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. Although never seen on screen, his voice was an integral 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 Professor Albus Dumbledore starting from *Prisoner of Azkaban*. He passed away after battling pneumonia in 2023 at the age of 82.

Maggie Smith – Professor McGonagall

Image via Warner Bros. 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 of Hufflepuff, the 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 brought joy and magic into our lives through their unforgettable performances. Their contributions to the *Harry Potter* series will continue to be cherished and remembered by fans worldwide.

*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.*