In the magical world of *Harry Potter*, the loss of cast members feels deeply personal to fans who grew up with these beloved characters. As a tribute to their memory, fans raise their "wands up" in honor of the actors who brought the Wizarding World to life. Here, we remember all the members of the *Harry Potter* cast we've lost over the years, listed in chronological order of their passing.
Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore
Image via Warner Bros. Richard Harris, who portrayed Albus Dumbledore in the first two *Harry Potter* films, left us in 2002 at the age of 72 due to Hodgkin’s Disease. His portrayal of the wise wizard remains cherished by fans worldwide.
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 only 18 when he was fatally stabbed in 2008. His character was not recast in the subsequent films, leaving a poignant reminder of his loss.
Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady
Image via Warner Bros. Elizabeth Spriggs brought the painting of the Fat Lady, guarding Gryffindor Tower, to life. Her role was recast for *The Prisoner of Azkaban* due to a change in the portrait's appearance and location. Spriggs passed away in 2008 at the age of 78.
Timothy Bateson – Kreacher
Timothy Bateson voiced the Black family 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
Image via Warner Bros. Jimmy Gardner's brief but memorable role as the Knight Bus driver Ernie in *Prisoner of Azkaban* is unforgettable for his big glasses and erratic driving. Gardner passed away in 2010 at the age of 85.
Alfred Burke – Armando Dippet
Alfred Burke played 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, known for his iconic line "No post on Sundays" as Vernon Dursley, was a constant presence throughout all the *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 before the filming of *The Deathly Hallows: Part I*, leading to the role being recast. Cartwright died in 2013 at the age of 78.
Dave Legeno – Fenrir Greyback
Image via Warner Bros. Dave Legeno brought the terrifying werewolf Fenrir Greyback to life. He tragically passed away 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 due to complications from diabetes, 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.
Alan Rickman – Professor Severus Snape
Image via Warner Bros. Alan Rickman's portrayal of the complex Severus Snape across all eight *Harry Potter* films is unforgettable. He passed away from 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
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 bumbling yet likable Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge. He passed away 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 passed away from a brain tumor in 2021 at the age of 54.
Helen McCrory – Narcissa Malfoy
Image via Warner Bros. Helen McCrory brought depth to the role of Narcissa Malfoy, Draco's mother. She passed away from cancer in 2021 at the age of 52.
Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid
Image via Warner Bros. Robbie Coltrane's portrayal of Hagrid, the beloved half-giant, spanned all eight *Harry Potter* films. He passed away from organ failure in 2022 at the age of 72.
Leslie Phillips – The Sorting Hat
Though never seen on screen, Leslie Phillips 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 took over the role of Professor Albus Dumbledore starting with the third *Harry Potter* film. He passed away after suffering from 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, Fat Friar, in the first *Harry Potter* movie, *The Philosopher’s Stone*. He passed away in March 2025 at the age of 63.
These actors, through their performances, have left an indelible mark on the *Harry Potter* series and in the hearts of fans everywhere. Their contributions to the magical world will never be forgotten.
*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.*
