When we lose members of the original *Harry Potter* cast, fans pay tribute with a poignant "wands up" gesture, honoring their memory. These actors played a significant role in shaping our childhoods and our love for the Wizarding World. Here is a chronological list of the beloved *Harry Potter* cast members we've sadly had to say goodbye to.
Harry Potter Cast Member Deaths, In Chronological Order
Over two decades have passed since the first *Harry Potter* movie enchanted audiences in 2001, introducing us to Hogwarts and the magical universe it inhabits. Unfortunately, time has also meant bidding farewell to some of the talented actors who brought this world to life.
Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore
Richard Harris, who portrayed Albus Dumbledore in the initial 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 Marcus Belby, a member of the Slug Club, in *The Half-Blood Prince*. Tragically, he was only 18 when he was stabbed to death in 2008. The role was not recast for subsequent films, leaving a lasting impact on the series.
Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady
Elizabeth Spriggs brought the Fat Lady, the guardian of Gryffindor Tower, to life. She passed away in 2008 at the age of 78, and the 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. Simon McBurney took over the role for the remaining films.
Jimmy Gardner – Knight Bus Driver Ernie
Jimmy Gardner made a memorable appearance as the Knight Bus driver, Ernie, in *Prisoner of Azkaban*. Known for his big glasses and wild driving, he passed away in 2010 at the age of 85.
Alfred Burke – Armando Dippet
Alfred Burke played former Hogwarts headmaster Armando Dippet in *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*. He died in 2011 at the age of 92.
Richard Griffiths – Uncle Vernon Dursley
Richard Griffiths, known for his iconic "No post on Sundays" line as Vernon Dursley, appeared in all *Harry Potter* films. He passed away in 2013 at age 65 from complications during heart surgery.
Peter Cartwright – Original Elphias Doge
Peter Cartwright portrayed Elphias Doge in *The Order of the Phoenix*. He died in 2013 at the age of 78 before *The Deathly Hallows: Part I* was filmed, leading to the role being recast.
Dave Legeno – Fenrir Greyback
Dave Legeno brought the terrifying 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 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 died in 2014 at the age of 79.
Alan Rickman – Professor Severus Snape
Alan Rickman's portrayal of the complex Severus Snape spanned all eight *Harry Potter* films. He succumbed to 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 died 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 likable Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge. He died 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 portrayed Eldred Worple, a minor character and 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 played Narcissa Malfoy, Draco's mother, in the *Harry Potter* series. She passed away from cancer in 2021 at the age of 52.
Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid
Robbie Coltrane brought the beloved half-giant Hagrid to life in all eight *Harry Potter* films. He died from organ failure in 2022 at the age of 72.
Leslie Phillips – The Sorting Hat
Leslie Phillips was the voice behind Hogwarts' Sorting Hat, though he never appeared on screen. 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 with *The Prisoner of Azkaban*. He died in 2023 at the age of 82 after battling 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 appeared as 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.
This list honors the *Harry Potter* cast members we've lost, each leaving a lasting legacy in the magical world they helped create.
*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.*
