Harry Potter Cast Members: Order of Passing

When we lose members of the original *Harry Potter* cast, fans send out a “wands up” in honor of their memory. These actors were more than just performers; they were integral to the magic of growing up with the series. To honor their memory, here's a chronological list of 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

Since the first Harry Potter movie graced our screens in 2001, over two decades have passed, bringing us joy and unforgettable moments in the Wizarding World. However, it's with a heavy heart that we've had to say goodbye to many of the talented actors who brought this magical world to life.

Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore

Richard Harris, who portrayed Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films, passed away in 2002 from Hodgkin’s Disease at the age of 72. His portrayal laid the foundation for one of the most beloved characters in 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 when he was killed in a stabbing incident in 2008. His character, though minor, was not recast for the remaining films, leaving a lasting impact on fans.

Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady

Elizabeth Spriggs brought to life the painting that guards Gryffindor Tower, the Fat Lady. The role was recast for The Prisoner of Azkaban when the portrait was given a new look and location. Spriggs passed away in 2008 at the age of 78.

Timothy Bateson – Kreacher

Timothy Bateson lent his voice to the inherited Black family 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 Harry Potter films.

Jimmy Gardner – Knight Bus Driver Ernie

Though Jimmy Gardner appeared briefly as the Knight Bus driver Ernie in Prisoner of Azkaban, his character's iconic big-glasses look and erratic driving left a lasting impression. Gardner passed away in 2010 at the age of 85.

Alfred Burke – Armando Dippet

Alfred Burke played 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

Richard Griffiths delivered the iconic line “No post on Sundays” as Vernon Dursley in all of the 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 Order of the Phoenix member Elphias Doge in the Order of the Phoenix film. He passed away before the filming of The Deathly Hallows: Part I, leading to the role being recast. Cartwright died at age 78 in 2013.

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

In the first Harry Potter film, Derek Deadman played the Leaky Cauldron’s landlord, Tom. He died in 2014 from diabetes complications, and the role was recast for Tom’s appearances in later films.

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.

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

Alan Rickman – Professor Severus Snape

Alan Rickman played the complex and beloved 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 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 played the author of A History of Magic, Bathilda Bagshot, in The Deathly Hallows: Part I. She passed away at age 92 in 2016.

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, just after his 77th birthday.

Sam Beazley – Portrait of Professor Everard

Sam Beazley portrayed 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 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 played the goblin Griphook, though he did not provide the voice. Warwick Davis later portrayed the character after Troyer’s passing. Troyer sadly died from complications of alcohol intoxication, later ruled a suicide, in 2018.

Paul Ritter – Eldred Worple

Paul Ritter played a minor character and former student of Professor Horace Slughorn, Eldred Worple, 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

Helen McCrory portrayed Narcissa Malfoy, Draco’s mother. She passed away from cancer in 2021 at the age of 52.

Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid

Robbie Coltrane admirably portrayed our beloved half-giant Hagrid in all eight Harry Potter movies. He passed away from organ failure in 2022 at the age of 72.

Leslie Phillips – The Sorting Hat

Though we never saw Leslie Phillips on screen, he was the voice behind Hogwarts’ very own 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 starting with the third Harry Potter film. He passed away after suffering from pneumonia in 2023 at the age of 82.

Maggie Smith – Professor McGonagall

Dame Maggie Smith portrayed 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 in the very first Harry Potter movie, the Philosopher’s Stone, as one of Hogwarts’ ghosts, the Fat Friar. 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.