Harry Potter Cast: Deaths Chronologically

In the magical world of *Harry Potter*, the actors who brought these beloved characters to life have left an indelible mark on fans worldwide. As we mourn the loss of these talented individuals, fans pay tribute by raising their wands in a poignant "wands up" gesture. Here, we remember and honor the members of the *Harry Potter* cast who have sadly passed away, listed chronologically.

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With the first Harry Potter movie released in 2001, over two decades have passed since we were first introduced to the enchanting universe of Hogwarts. During this time, we have had to bid farewell to several actors who played pivotal roles in crafting this beloved world.

Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore

Richard Harris, who portrayed the wise Albus Dumbledore in the initial two films, passed away in 2002 due to Hodgkin’s Disease at the age of 72.

Robert Knox – Marcus Belby

Robert Knox played the role of Marcus Belby in The Half-Blood Prince. Tragically, he was stabbed and passed away at the young age of 18 in 2008. His character, though minor, was not recast for subsequent films.

Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady

Elizabeth Spriggs brought to life the Fat Lady, the guardian of Gryffindor Tower, in the first two films. Her role was recast for The Prisoner of Azkaban. Spriggs passed away in 2008 at the age of 78.

Timothy Bateson – Kreacher

Timothy Bateson voiced the Black family's house-elf, Kreacher, in The Order of the Phoenix. He died in 2009 at age 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 erratic 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 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, known for his iconic portrayal of Vernon Dursley across all eight films, passed away in 2013 from complications following heart surgery 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 died in 2013 at age 78 before filming for The Deathly Hallows: Part I, leading to a recasting of the role.

Dave Legeno – Fenrir Greyback

Dave Legeno brought the menacing werewolf Fenrir Greyback to life. 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 passed away in 2014 from complications of diabetes, and the role was recast for 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 died in 2014 at the age of 79.

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Alan Rickman – Professor Severus Snape

Alan Rickman portrayed the complex Severus Snape throughout all eight films. He passed away in 2016 from pancreatic cancer at the age of 69.

Terence Bayler – The Bloody Baron

Terence Bayler played the silent yet intimidating 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 played the iconic wandmaker Ollivander. 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 incompetent 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 portrayed Griphook the goblin, 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 the minor role of Eldred Worple 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 portrayed Narcissa Malfoy, mother to Draco. She passed away in 2021 from cancer at the age of 52.

Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid

Robbie Coltrane, who brought the beloved half-giant Hagrid to life in all eight films, passed away in 2022 from organ failure at the age of 72.

Leslie Phillips – The Sorting Hat

Leslie Phillips provided the voice for Hogwarts’ Sorting Hat. 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 starting with The Prisoner of Azkaban. He died in 2023 after battling pneumonia 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 appeared as the jovial ghost, Fat Friar, in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. 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.