All Harry Potter Cast Deaths in Order of Their Passing

When we lose members of the original Harry Potter cast, fans honor their memory with a "wands up" tribute. These actors were more than just characters on screen; they were a part of our growing up. Here, we remember all the beloved Harry Potter cast members we’ve lost, in the order of their passing.

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 the magical world of Hogwarts. Sadly, time has taken some of the wonderful actors who brought this world to life.

Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore

Richard Harris, who portrayed the wise Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films, passed away in 2002 at the age of 72 from Hodgkin’s Disease. His portrayal remains iconic to fans worldwide.

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 died in a stabbing incident in 2008. His character was not recast for the subsequent films, leaving a poignant mark on the series.

Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady

Elizabeth Spriggs brought the animated painting, the Fat Lady, to life in the first two films. Her character was recast for The Prisoner of Azkaban. Spriggs passed away in 2008 at the age of 78.

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

Jimmy Gardner's brief but memorable appearance as the erratic 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 played the 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, known for his iconic line "No post on Sundays" as Uncle Vernon Dursley, appeared in all eight 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 in The Order of the Phoenix. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 78, before filming for The Deathly Hallows: Part I, and the role was 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 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

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 haunting 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 passed away in 2016 at the age of 92.

John Hurt – Ollivander

Sir John Hurt played the enigmatic wandmaker Ollivander. 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 The Order of the Phoenix. He lived to the remarkable age of 101, passing away in 2017.

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

Verne Troyer played the goblin Griphook 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, ruled later as suicide.

Paul Ritter – Eldred Worple

Paul Ritter portrayed Eldred Worple, a 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

Helen McCrory played Narcissa Malfoy, mother to Draco. 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 passed away from organ failure in 2022 at the age of 72.

Leslie Phillips – The Sorting Hat

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 on the role of Professor Albus Dumbledore starting with the third Harry Potter film. He passed away from pneumonia in 2023 at the age of 82.

Maggie Smith – Professor McGonagall

Dame Maggie Smith portrayed the stern yet caring Professor McGonagall throughout all eight films. She passed away in September 2024 at the age of 89.

Simon Fisher-Becker – Fat Friar

Simon Fisher-Becker appeared as the jovial Fat Friar in the first Harry Potter film. He passed away in March 2025 at the age of 63.

These actors were integral to the Harry Potter saga, and their contributions will forever be cherished by fans. As we continue to enjoy the magic they helped create, we remember them with a "wands up" in tribute.

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.