Harry Potter Cast Members' Deaths Chronologically

When we lose members of the beloved *Harry Potter* cast, fans worldwide honor their memory with a heartfelt "wands up." These actors were more than just characters on screen; they were a significant part of our growing up. Here's a tribute to all the *Harry Potter* cast members we've sadly lost over the years.

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Harry Potter Cast Member Deaths, In Chronological Order

The magical journey of Harry Potter began with its first film in 2001, transporting us to Hogwarts and the enchanting Wizarding World. Over two decades later, we reflect on the actors who brought this world to life but are no longer with us.

Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore

Richard Harris, who portrayed Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films, passed away from Hodgkin's Disease in 2002 at the age of 72. His portrayal of the wise and gentle headmaster left an indelible mark on fans.

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 in 2008. His role was not recast for the remaining films, leaving a poignant gap in the series.

Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady

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

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 Knight Bus driver Ernie in Prisoner of Azkaban is unforgettable. He passed away in 2010 at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy of quirky charm.

Alfred Burke – Armando Dippet

Alfred Burke played the former headmaster of Hogwarts, Armando Dippet, in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. He passed away in 2011 at the age of 92, having contributed to the rich tapestry of the Harry Potter universe.

Richard Griffiths – Uncle Vernon Dursley

Richard Griffiths, known for his iconic line "No post on Sundays," played Vernon Dursley throughout the Harry Potter series. 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 in 2013 at the age of 78, before the filming of 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 from 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 passed away in 2014 at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances.

Related: All Harry Potter Characters in Quidditch Champions & How To Get Them

Alan Rickman – Professor Severus Snape

Alan Rickman's portrayal of the complex Severus Snape across all eight Harry Potter films is legendary. He passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2016 at the age of 69, leaving fans with a profound sense of loss.

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, adding to the list of beloved actors we've lost.

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 wandmaker Ollivander to life in the Harry Potter films. He died of pancreatic cancer in early 2017, shortly after his 77th birthday, leaving behind a legacy of iconic roles.

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 inept but well-meaning 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 Griphook the goblin, although Warwick Davis provided the voice. Troyer sadly passed away from complications of alcohol intoxication, later ruled a suicide, in 2018.

Paul Ritter – Eldred Worple

Paul Ritter played the minor character Eldred Worple, a former student of Professor Horace Slughorn, in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. He died of a brain tumor in 2021 at the age of 54.

Helen McCrory – Narcissa Malfoy

Helen McCrory portrayed Narcissa Malfoy, Draco's mother, with grace and intensity. She passed away from cancer in 2021 at the age of 52.

Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid

Robbie Coltrane brought warmth and humor to the role of 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

Though never seen on screen, Leslie Phillips was the voice behind Hogwarts' Sorting Hat. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 98, leaving behind a legacy of distinctive vocal performances.

Michael Gambon – Dumbledore (Prisoner of Azkaban onwards)

Sir Michael Gambon took over the role of Professor Albus Dumbledore from the third Harry Potter film onward. He passed away after suffering from pneumonia in 2023 at the age of 82.

Maggie Smith – Professor McGonagall

Dame Maggie Smith portrayed the formidable Professor McGonagall throughout all eight Harry Potter films. She passed away in September 2024 at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of strength and grace.

Simon Fisher-Becker – Fat Friar

Simon Fisher-Becker appeared in the first Harry Potter movie, the Philosopher's Stone, as the jovial ghost, Fat Friar. He passed away in March 2025 at the age of 63.

And that's the chronological list of Harry Potter cast members we've sadly lost.

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.