Harry Potter Cast: Remembering Those We've Lost

The passing of beloved *Harry Potter* actors leaves a void in the hearts of fans worldwide. For many, these actors were integral to their childhoods, shaping their connection to the magical world of Hogwarts. To honor their memory, we remember all the members of the *Harry Potter* cast who have passed away.

The first *Harry Potter* film premiered in 2001, meaning over two decades have passed since the original cast first transported us to the Wizarding World. Sadly, this also means we've had to bid farewell to many of the talented individuals who brought this magical world to life.

Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore

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.

Robert Knox – Marcus Belby

Knox played Slug Club member Marcus Belby in The Half-Blood Prince. Tragically, he died in 2008 at the age of 18 following a stabbing. His role, a relatively minor one, was not recast.

Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady

Elizabeth Spriggs played the Fat Lady, the painting guarding Gryffindor Tower. The role was recast for *The Prisoner of Azkaban* following a change in the portrait's appearance and location. Spriggs died in 2008 at age 78.

Timothy Bateson – Kreacher

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

Jimmy Gardner – Knight Bus Driver Ernie

Though only appearing briefly in *Prisoner of Azkaban*, Gardner's portrayal of Ernie, the Knight Bus driver, remains memorable. He passed away in 2010 at age 85.

Alfred Burke – Armando Dippet

Burke played Armando Dippet, the former Hogwarts headmaster, in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. He passed away in 2011 at age 92.

Richard Griffiths – Uncle Vernon Dursley

Richard Griffiths, unforgettable as the grumpy Vernon Dursley, delivered the iconic line, "No post on Sundays!" He passed away from heart surgery complications in 2013 at age 65.

Peter Cartwright – Original Elphias Doge

Cartwright portrayed Elphias Doge, a member of the Order of the Phoenix, in The Order of the Phoenix. He passed away before 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, who played the terrifying werewolf Fenrir Greyback, passed away from heatstroke while hiking in 2014 at age 50.

Derek Deadman – Original Leaky Cauldron Landlord Tom

Deadman played Tom, the Leaky Cauldron landlord, in the first Harry Potter film. He died from diabetes complications in 2014, and the role was recast for subsequent films.

David Ryall – Elphias Doge (*Deathly Hallows*)

Ryall took over the role of Elphias Doge for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. He died in 2014 at age 79.

Alan Rickman – Professor Severus Snape

Alan Rickman's portrayal of the complex Severus Snape remains iconic. He passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2016 at age 69.

Terence Bayler – The Bloody Baron

Terence Bayler, who played the silent yet menacing Bloody Baron, passed away in 2016 at age 86.

Hazel Douglas – Bathilda Bagshot

Hazel Douglas, who played Bathilda Bagshot in *The Deathly Hallows: Part I*, died at age 92 in 2016.

John Hurt – Ollivander

Sir John Hurt, who brought the wandmaker Ollivander to life, died of pancreatic cancer in early 2017, shortly after his 77th birthday.

Sam Beazley – Portrait of Professor Everard

Sam Beazley, who portrayed the portrait of Professor Everard in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, passed away in 2017 at the age of 101.

Robert Hardy – Cornelius Fudge

Robert Hardy, who played the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, passed away in 2017 at age 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 sadly died from complications of alcohol intoxication, later ruled a suicide, in 2018.

Paul Ritter – Eldred Worple

Ritter, who played the minor character Eldred Worple in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, died of a brain tumor in 2021 at age 54.

Helen McCrory – Narcissa Malfoy

Helen McCrory, who played Narcissa Malfoy, died of cancer in 2021 at age 52.

Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid

Robbie Coltrane, beloved for his portrayal of Hagrid, died from organ failure in 2022 at age 72.

Leslie Phillips – The Sorting Hat

Leslie Phillips, the voice of the Sorting Hat, passed away in 2022 at age 98.

Michael Gambon – Dumbledore (*Prisoner of Azkaban* onwards)

Sir Michael Gambon, who took over the role of Dumbledore from the third film onwards, died from pneumonia in 2023 at age 82.

Maggie Smith – Professor McGonagall

Dame Maggie Smith, who played Professor McGonagall in all eight films, passed away in September 2024 at age 89.

Simon Fisher-Becker – Fat Friar

Simon Fisher-Becker, who appeared as the Fat Friar in The Philosopher’s Stone, passed away in March 2025 at age 63.

This list encompasses all known *Harry Potter* cast member deaths up to the date of this update.

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

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