All Harry Potter Cast Deaths in Order of Their Passing

When we lose members of the beloved *Harry Potter* cast, fans across the globe unite in a poignant “wands up” tribute to honor their memory. These actors were more than just characters on screen; they were a part of our childhood and growing up. In tribute to their invaluable contributions to the magical world of *Harry Potter*, here is a chronological list of the cast members we've sadly lost over the years.

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Harry Potter Cast Member Deaths, In Chronological Order

The enchanting journey to Hogwarts began with the release of the first *Harry Potter* movie in 2001. Over two decades later, the magic continues, but so do the heart-wrenching goodbyes to the actors who brought this world to life.

Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore

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

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 years old when he died in a stabbing incident in 2008. His role was not recast for the remaining films, leaving a lasting memory of his short but impactful appearance.

Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady

Elizabeth Spriggs brought the Fat Lady, the guardian of Gryffindor Tower, to life. Her role was recast for *The Prisoner of Azkaban* due to a change in the character's appearance and location. Spriggs passed away in 2008 at the age of 78.

Timothy Bateson – Kreacher

Timothy Bateson lent his voice to Kreacher, the Black family house-elf, in *The Order of the Phoenix*. He passed away in 2009 at the age of 83 before the series concluded, and Simon McBurney took over the role for the remaining films.

Jimmy Gardner – Knight Bus Driver Ernie

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

Alfred Burke – Armando Dippet

Alfred Burke portrayed Armando Dippet, a former headmaster of Hogwarts, 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 portrayal of the irritable Uncle Vernon Dursley in all *Harry Potter* films, passed away in 2013 from heart surgery complications at the age of 65. His famous line, "No post on Sundays," is etched in fans' memories.

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 before the filming of *The Deathly Hallows: Part I*, leading to a recasting of the role. Cartwright died in 2013 at the age of 78.

Dave Legeno – Fenrir Greyback

Dave Legeno portrayed the terrifying werewolf Fenrir Greyback. He tragically passed away 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 died in 2014 from diabetes complications, and his 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.

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Alan Rickman – Professor Severus Snape

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

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.

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 in the *Harry Potter* films. He succumbed to pancreatic cancer shortly after his 77th birthday in early 2017.

Sam Beazley – Portrait of Professor Everard

Sam Beazley portrayed the portrait of Professor Everard in *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*. He lived to the remarkable age of 101, passing away in 2017.

Robert Hardy – Cornelius Fudge

Robert Hardy portrayed the bumbling but well-meaning 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 character's voice. Troyer passed away in 2018 from complications of alcohol intoxication, later ruled a suicide.

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's portrayal of the beloved half-giant Hagrid across all eight *Harry Potter* films endeared him to fans worldwide. 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' iconic Sorting Hat. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 98.

Michael Gambon – Dumbledore (Prisoner of Azkaban onwards)

Sir Michael Gambon stepped into the role of Professor Albus Dumbledore from *Prisoner of Azkaban* onward, delivering a commanding performance. He passed away after suffering from pneumonia in 2023 at the age of 82.

Maggie Smith – Professor McGonagall

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, leaving behind a legacy of strength and wisdom.

Simon Fisher-Becker – Fat Friar

Simon Fisher-Becker appeared as the friendly 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.

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.*