Harry Potter Cast: Deaths Chronologically

The "wands up" tribute has become a poignant symbol for fans mourning the loss of beloved members from the original *Harry Potter* cast. These actors were not just performers; they were integral to our journey through the magical world of Hogwarts, making their departures all the more heart-wrenching. Here, we remember those we've lost, honoring their contributions to the series that shaped many of our childhoods and beyond.

Recommended Videos Harry Potter Cast Member Deaths, In Chronological Order

Over two decades have passed since the release of the first Harry Potter film in 2001, introducing us to a cast that brought the Wizarding World to life. As time has moved forward, we've had to bid farewell to several of these talented individuals who helped weave the magic we cherish.

Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore

Richard Harris, who portrayed the wise and revered Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films, sadly passed away in 2002 at the age of 72 due to Hodgkin’s Disease. His portrayal laid the foundation for one of the most iconic characters in the series.

Robert Knox – Marcus Belby

Robert Knox tragically lost his life in a stabbing incident at the young age of 18 in 2008. He played Marcus Belby, a member of the Slug Club in The Half-Blood Prince. His character was not recast for the subsequent films, leaving a lasting impact on fans.

Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady

Elizabeth Spriggs brought to life the Fat Lady, the guardian portrait of Gryffindor Tower, in the early films. She passed away in 2008 at the age of 78. Her role was recast when the character's appearance and location changed in The Prisoner of Azkaban.

Timothy Bateson – Kreacher

Timothy Bateson voiced the cantankerous house elf Kreacher in The Order of the Phoenix. He passed away 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 played the memorable Knight Bus driver Ernie in Prisoner of Azkaban. His brief but impactful role, complete with iconic big glasses, left an impression on viewers. Gardner passed away in 2010 at age 85.

Alfred Burke – Armando Dippet

Alfred Burke portrayed Hogwarts' former 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 brought the character of Vernon Dursley to life, famously delivering the line, "No post on Sundays." He appeared in all Harry Potter films and passed away in 2013 at age 65 following complications from heart surgery.

Peter Cartwright – Original Elphias Doge

Peter Cartwright played Elphias Doge, a member of the Order of the Phoenix, in The Order of the Phoenix. He passed away in 2013 at age 78, before filming The Deathly Hallows: Part I, leading to the role being recast.

Dave Legeno – Fenrir Greyback

Dave Legeno portrayed the fearsome werewolf Fenrir Greyback. 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 due to 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 died in 2014 at the age of 79.

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Alan Rickman – Professor Severus Snape

Alan Rickman's portrayal of the complex and enigmatic Severus Snape across all eight Harry Potter films remains unforgettable. He passed away in 2016 at age 69 from pancreatic cancer.

Terence Bayler – The Bloody Baron

Terence Bayler played the silent yet intimidating Slytherin ghost, the Bloody Baron. He died 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 brought the enigmatic wandmaker Ollivander to life. He succumbed to pancreatic cancer in early 2017, shortly after his 77th birthday.

Sam Beazley – Portrait of Professor Everard

Sam Beazley played 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 portrayed the often bumbling yet endearing 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 due to complications from alcohol intoxication, later ruled a suicide.

Paul Ritter – Eldred Worple

Paul Ritter portrayed Eldred Worple, a former student of Professor Horace Slughorn, in The Half-Blood Prince. He died in 2021 at the age of 54 from a brain tumor.

Helen McCrory – Narcissa Malfoy

Helen McCrory played Narcissa Malfoy, the protective mother of Draco. She passed away in 2021 at the age of 52 after battling cancer.

Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid

Robbie Coltrane's portrayal of the lovable half-giant Hagrid across all eight films endeared him to fans worldwide. He passed away in 2022 at age 72 due to organ failure.

Leslie Phillips – The Sorting Hat

Leslie Phillips provided the voice for the Sorting Hat, a pivotal element of the Hogwarts experience. He died 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 in 2023 at age 82 after suffering from pneumonia.

Maggie Smith – Professor McGonagall

Dame Maggie Smith brought the stern yet caring Professor McGonagall to life 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 played the jovial ghost of Hufflepuff, the Fat Friar, in the first Harry Potter film. 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.