In the magical world of *Harry Potter*, fans have developed a poignant tradition of raising their "wands up" to honor the memory of beloved cast members who have passed away. These actors were not just performers; they were integral parts of our journey through the Wizarding World, shaping our childhoods and leaving lasting impressions. Here, we remember and pay tribute to the *Harry Potter* cast members we've lost, listed in chronological order of their passing.
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Harry Potter Cast Member Deaths, In Chronological Order
The first *Harry Potter* movie graced our screens in 2001, marking the beginning of a 20-year journey through Hogwarts and the enchanting Wizarding World. Over the years, we've had to bid farewell to many of the actors who brought this magical universe to life.
Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore
Image via Warner Bros.
Richard Harris, who portrayed the wise and venerable Albus Dumbledore in the first two *Harry Potter* films, passed away in 2002 at the age of 72 from Hodgkin’s Disease. His portrayal laid the foundation for the character's enduring legacy.
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 absence in the series.
Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady
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Elizabeth Spriggs brought to life the Fat Lady, the guardian painting of Gryffindor Tower. 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 were updated.
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
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Jimmy Gardner's brief but memorable role as the Knight Bus driver Ernie in *Prisoner of Azkaban* left a lasting impression with his iconic big glasses 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
Image via Warner Bros.
Richard Griffiths, known for his role as the stern Uncle Vernon Dursley, delivered memorable lines such as "No post on Sundays" across all *Harry Potter* films. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 65 due to complications from heart surgery.
Peter Cartwright – Original Elphias Doge
Peter Cartwright portrayed 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
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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
In the first *Harry Potter* film, Derek Deadman played Tom, the landlord of the Leaky Cauldron. 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.
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Alan Rickman – Professor Severus Snape
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Alan Rickman's portrayal of the complex and enigmatic Severus Snape across all eight *Harry Potter* films remains unforgettable. He passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2016 at the age of 69.
Terence Bayler – The Bloody Baron
Terence Bayler played the silent yet menacing 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 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
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Robert Hardy played the bumbling yet well-meaning 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 Warwick Davis provided the character's voice. Troyer passed away in 2018 from complications of alcohol intoxication, later ruled a suicide.
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 passed away in 2021 at the age of 54 from a brain tumor.
Helen McCrory – Narcissa Malfoy
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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
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Robbie Coltrane brought warmth and humor to the role of Rubeus Hagrid throughout all eight *Harry Potter* films. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 72 from organ failure.
Leslie Phillips – The Sorting Hat
Though never seen on screen, Leslie Phillips was the voice behind the iconic Sorting Hat at Hogwarts. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 98.
Michael Gambon – Dumbledore (Prisoner of Azkaban onwards)
Sir Michael Gambon took on the role of Professor Albus Dumbledore from the third *Harry Potter* film onwards. He passed away in 2023 at the age of 82 after battling pneumonia.
Maggie Smith – Professor McGonagall
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Dame Maggie Smith portrayed the formidable Professor Minerva 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 Fat Friar in the very first *Harry Potter* film, *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.*