Harry Potter Cast Members: A Timeline of Losses

When we lose members of the original *Harry Potter* cast, fans send out a “wands up” in honor of their memory. For many of us, these actors were integral parts of growing up, so to honor their memory, here are all of the *Harry Potter* cast members we’ve lost.

Harry Potter Cast Member Deaths, In Chronological Order

The first *Harry Potter* movie came out in 2001, meaning over 20 years have passed since the original cast first took us to Hogwarts and the Wizarding World. Sadly, that also means we’ve had to say goodbye to many of the actors who helped create this magical world.

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 wizard left an indelible mark on the series.

Robert Knox – Marcus Belby

Robert Knox played the role of Marcus Belby, a member of the Slug Club, in The Half-Blood Prince. Tragically, he was stabbed and died in 2008 at just 18 years old. His character was not recast for the remaining films, leaving a poignant absence.

Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady

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

Timothy Bateson – Kreacher

Timothy Bateson voiced the 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 later voiced Kreacher for the remaining films.

Jimmy Gardner – Knight Bus Driver Ernie

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Jimmy Gardner's brief but memorable role as the Knight Bus driver Ernie in Prisoner of Azkaban is unforgettable, especially his iconic big-glasses look and erratic driving. 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

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Richard Griffiths delivered the iconic line “No post on Sundays” as Vernon Dursley across all the 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 the Order of the Phoenix member Elphias Doge in The Order of the Phoenix. He passed away before the filming of The Deathly Hallows: Part I, leading to the role being recast. He died in 2013 at the age of 78.

Dave Legeno – Fenrir Greyback

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Dave Legeno played the terrifying werewolf Fenrir Greyback. He tragically died from heatstroke while hiking in 2014 at the age of 50.

Derek Deadman – Original Leaky Cauldron Landlord Tom

In the first Harry Potter film, Derek Deadman portrayed Tom, the landlord of the Leaky Cauldron. He died in 2014 from complications of diabetes, and the role was recast for his later 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

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Alan Rickman portrayed the complex character of Severus Snape in all eight Harry Potter films. He passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2016 at the age of 69, leaving a legacy of unforgettable performances.

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

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Hazel Douglas portrayed the author of A History of Magic, Bathilda Bagshot, in The Deathly Hallows: Part I. She passed away in 2016 at the age of 92.

John Hurt – Ollivander

Actor Sir John Hurt brought the character of 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, with whom Dumbledore briefly converses in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 101.

Robert Hardy – Cornelius Fudge

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Robert Hardy played the inept but affable Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge. He passed away 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 he did not voice the character; that was done by Warwick Davis, who later portrayed Griphook. Troyer died 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 Draco’s mother, Narcissa Malfoy. She died of cancer in 2021 at the age of 52.

Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid

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Robbie Coltrane admirably filled the role of Hagrid, our favorite half-giant, in all eight Harry Potter movies. He passed away from organ failure in 2022 at the age of 72.

Leslie Phillips – The Sorting Hat

Though we never saw Leslie Phillips on screen, he was the voice behind Hogwarts’ Sorting Hat. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 98.

Michael Gambon – Dumbledore (Prisoner of Azkaban onwards)

Sir Michael Gambon stepped into the role of Professor Albus Dumbledore starting with the third Harry Potter film. He died after suffering from pneumonia in 2023 at the age of 82.

Maggie Smith – Professor McGonagall

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Dame Maggie Smith portrayed Professor McGonagall in all eight Harry Potter films. She passed away in September 2024 at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of strength and wisdom.

Simon Fisher-Becker – Fat Friar

Simon Fisher-Becker appeared in the very first Harry Potter movie, The Philosopher’s Stone, as one of Hogwarts’ ghosts, the Fat Friar. He passed away in March 2025 at the age of 63.

And that’s all *Harry Potter* cast deaths in order of their passing.

*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.*