Harry Potter Cast Members: Order of Deaths

In the magical world of *Harry Potter*, the loss of beloved cast members deeply affects fans, prompting a heartfelt "wands up" tribute in their honor. These actors, who played pivotal roles in shaping our experiences of growing up with the series, are remembered not just for their characters but for the joy and magic they brought to our lives. Here, we honor the memory of the *Harry Potter* cast members we've lost, listed in chronological order of their passing.

Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore

Image via Warner Bros.

Richard Harris portrayed the wise and beloved Albus Dumbledore in the first two *Harry Potter* films. He passed away from Hodgkin’s Disease in 2002 at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and wisdom.

Robert Knox – Marcus Belby

Robert Knox played Marcus Belby, a member of the Slug Club, in *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince*. Tragically, he was killed in a stabbing incident in 2008 at the young age of 18. His character was not recast for the remaining films.

Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady

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Elizabeth Spriggs brought the iconic Fat Lady to life, the portrait guarding Gryffindor Tower. Her role was recast for *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*. Spriggs passed away in 2008 at the age of 78.

Timothy Bateson – Kreacher

Timothy Bateson lent his voice to Kreacher, the Black family's house-elf, in *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*. He died in 2009 at the age of 83, before the series concluded. Simon McBurney voiced Kreacher in the subsequent films.

Jimmy Gardner – Knight Bus Driver Ernie

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Jimmy Gardner played the memorable Knight Bus driver Ernie in *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*. Known for his big glasses and erratic driving, Gardner passed away in 2010 at the age of 85.

Alfred Burke – Armando Dippet

Alfred Burke portrayed 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

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Richard Griffiths brought to life the gruff Uncle Vernon Dursley in all *Harry Potter* films, famously delivering the line, "No post on Sundays." He passed away in 2013 from complications following heart surgery, at the age of 65.

Peter Cartwright – Original Elphias Doge

Peter Cartwright played Elphias Doge, a member of the Order of the Phoenix, in *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*. He died in 2013 at the age of 78, before the filming of *The Deathly Hallows: Part I*, and his role was recast.

Dave Legeno – Fenrir Greyback

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Dave Legeno portrayed the terrifying 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 complications from diabetes, and his role was recast for later 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

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Alan Rickman's portrayal of the complex Professor Severus Snape spanned all eight *Harry Potter* films. He passed away from 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

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Hazel Douglas portrayed Bathilda Bagshot, the author of *A History of Magic*, in *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I*. She died in 2016 at the age of 92.

John Hurt – Ollivander

Sir John Hurt brought the enigmatic wandmaker Ollivander to life in the *Harry Potter* films. He passed away from pancreatic cancer in early 2017, just 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

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Robert Hardy portrayed the well-meaning but often misguided 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 played the minor role of Eldred Worple, a former student of Professor Horace Slughorn, in *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince*. He died from a brain tumor in 2021 at the age of 54.

Helen McCrory – Narcissa Malfoy

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Helen McCrory portrayed Narcissa Malfoy, the protective mother of Draco, in the *Harry Potter* series. She passed away from cancer in 2021 at the age of 52.

Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid

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Robbie Coltrane was beloved for his portrayal of the gentle giant Hagrid 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 provided the voice for the Sorting Hat throughout the *Harry Potter* series. 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 *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*. He passed away after suffering from pneumonia in 2023 at the age of 82.

Maggie Smith – Professor McGonagall

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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 very first *Harry Potter* film, *the Philosopher’s Stone*. He passed away in March 2025 at the age of 63.

These actors, through their unforgettable performances, have left an indelible mark on the *Harry Potter* saga and in our hearts. Their contributions to the magical world continue to be celebrated and cherished by fans worldwide.

The *Harry Potter* movies are streaming now on Peacock.

This article was updated on 3/10/2025 by Escapist Editorial to include additional *Harry Potter* cast member passings.