Harry Potter Cast: Deaths Chronologically

In the magical world of *Harry Potter*, the actors who brought these beloved characters to life have left a lasting impact on fans worldwide. As we mourn the loss of these talented individuals, fans often pay tribute by raising their wands in a symbolic "wands up" gesture. Here, we remember and honor the members of the *Harry Potter* cast who have sadly passed away, in chronological order of their departure.

Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore

Image via Warner Bros. Richard Harris, who portrayed the wise and beloved 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 headmaster set the tone for the magical journey that followed.

Robert Knox – Marcus Belby

Robert Knox played Marcus Belby, a member of the Slug Club in *The Half-Blood Prince*. Tragically, he was stabbed and killed in 2008 at the young age of 18. His character was not recast for the remaining films, leaving a poignant reminder of his brief but impactful presence in the series.

Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady

Image via Warner Bros. Elizabeth Spriggs brought to life the painting that guards Gryffindor Tower, known as the Fat Lady. She passed away in 2008 at the age of 78. Her role was recast in *The Prisoner of Azkaban* when the portrait was given a new look and location.

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 later voiced Kreacher for the remaining films.

Jimmy Gardner – Knight Bus Driver Ernie

Image via Warner Bros. Jimmy Gardner's brief but memorable appearance as the Knight Bus driver, Ernie, in *Prisoner of Azkaban* left a lasting impression with his iconic big glasses and erratic driving. He passed away in 2010 at the age of 85.

Alfred Burke – Armando Dippet

Alfred Burke played the role of 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

Image via Warner Bros. Richard Griffiths, known for his role as the grumpy Uncle Vernon Dursley, delivered memorable lines like "No post on Sundays" throughout all eight *Harry Potter* films. He passed away in 2013 from heart surgery complications at the age of 65.

Peter Cartwright – Original Elphias Doge

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

Dave Legeno – Fenrir Greyback

Image via Warner Bros. Dave Legeno played 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

In the first *Harry Potter* film, Derek Deadman played Tom, the landlord of the Leaky Cauldron. He passed away in 2014 from diabetes complications, and the role was recast for Tom’s 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 died in 2014 at the age of 79.

Alan Rickman – Professor Severus Snape

Image via Warner Bros. Alan Rickman brought depth and complexity to the role of Severus Snape in 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 portrayed the silent but haunting Slytherin ghost, the Bloody Baron. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 86.

Hazel Douglas – Bathilda Bagshot

Image via Warner Bros. Hazel Douglas played the historian Bathilda Bagshot in *The Deathly Hallows: Part I*. She passed away at the age of 92 in 2016.

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, just after his 77th birthday.

Sam Beazley – Portrait of Professor Everard

Sam Beazley portrayed the portrait of Professor Everard, who briefly converses with Dumbledore in *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*. He passed away in 2017 at the remarkable age of 101.

Robert Hardy – Cornelius Fudge

Image via Warner Bros. Robert Hardy played the often inept but affable 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 portrayed Griphook the goblin, though Warwick Davis provided the voice. Troyer 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 passed away from a brain tumor in 2021 at the age of 54.

Helen McCrory – Narcissa Malfoy

Image via Warner Bros. Helen McCrory portrayed Narcissa Malfoy, Draco’s mother, in the *Harry Potter* films. She passed away from cancer in 2021 at the age of 52.

Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid

Image via Warner Bros. 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

Though never seen on screen, Leslie Phillips was the voice behind Hogwarts’ 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 Professor Albus Dumbledore from the third *Harry Potter* film onwards. He passed away after suffering from pneumonia in 2023 at the age of 82.

Maggie Smith – Professor McGonagall

Image via Warner Bros. 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* movie, *The Philosopher’s Stone*. He passed away in March 2025 at the age of 63.

These actors, through their performances, have left an indelible mark on the *Harry Potter* series and in the hearts of fans around the world. As we remember them, we continue to raise our wands in their honor.

*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.*