Harry Potter Cast: Order of Deaths

When we lose members of the original *Harry Potter* cast, fans send out a “wands up” in honor of their memory. These actors were more than just performers; they were a significant part of our journey into the magical world of Hogwarts. Here's a chronological tribute to the beloved *Harry Potter* cast members we've lost over the years.

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It's been over two decades since the first Harry Potter film enchanted audiences in 2001. Over the years, we've celebrated their magic, but we've also mourned the loss of several actors who brought this beloved universe to life.

Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore

Richard Harris, who portrayed the wise and powerful Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films, left us in 2002 due to Hodgkin’s Disease at the age of 72. His performance remains a cherished part of the series.

Robert Knox – Marcus Belby

Robert Knox, who played the Slug Club member Marcus Belby in The Half-Blood Prince, was tragically killed in a stabbing at just 18 years old in 2008. His untimely departure left a void in the series, as his character was not recast.

Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady

Elizabeth Spriggs brought to life the animated portrait that guards Gryffindor Tower, known as the Fat Lady. After 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 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 took over the role.

Jimmy Gardner – Knight Bus Driver Ernie

Jimmy Gardner's brief but memorable appearance as the eccentric 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 filled the shoes of 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 brought the stern and often comical Uncle Vernon Dursley to life across all Harry Potter films. He passed away in 2013 following heart surgery complications at the age of 65.

Peter Cartwright – Original Elphias Doge

Peter Cartwright portrayed 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. Cartwright died in 2013 at the age of 78.

Dave Legeno – Fenrir Greyback

Dave Legeno's chilling portrayal of the werewolf Fenrir Greyback added a dark edge to the series. 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 the welcoming landlord of the Leaky Cauldron, Tom, in the first Harry Potter film. He passed away in 2014 due to diabetes complications, and the role was recast for subsequent films.

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

Alan Rickman's portrayal of the enigmatic Severus Snape across all eight films was nothing short of iconic. 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

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

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 endearing 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 the goblin Griphook, 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 character Eldred Worple in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. He passed away from a brain tumor in 2021 at the age of 54.

Helen McCrory – Narcissa Malfoy

Helen McCrory portrayed the protective mother Narcissa Malfoy. She passed away from cancer in 2021 at the age of 52.

Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid

Robbie Coltrane's portrayal of the beloved half-giant Hagrid 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 the iconic 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 passed away after suffering from pneumonia in 2023 at the age of 82.

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 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.