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, making their deaths particularly poignant. To honor their memory, let's remember the members of the *Harry Potter* cast we've sadly lost.

Harry Potter Cast Member Deaths, In Chronological Order

The first Harry Potter film premiered in 2001, meaning over two decades have passed since the original cast transported us to Hogwarts and the magical world. This also sadly means we've had to bid farewell to many who helped bring this enchanting world to life.

Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore

Richard Harris, who portrayed Albus Dumbledore in the first two films, passed away from Hodgkin’s Disease in 2002 at the age of 72.

Robert Knox – Marcus Belby

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

Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady

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

Timothy Bateson – Kreacher

Timothy Bateson voiced Kreacher 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 briefly seen in *Prisoner of Azkaban*, Jimmy Gardner's memorable portrayal of Ernie, the Knight Bus driver, remains iconic. He passed away in 2010 at age 85.

Alfred Burke – Armando Dippet

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

Richard Griffiths – Uncle Vernon Dursley

Richard Griffiths, unforgettable as Vernon Dursley, passed away from heart surgery complications in 2013 at age 65.

Peter Cartwright – Original Elphias Doge

Peter Cartwright portrayed Elphias Doge in The Order of the Phoenix. He died in 2013 at age 78, before the filming of The Deathly Hallows. The role was subsequently recast.

Dave Legeno – Fenrir Greyback

Dave Legeno, who played the terrifying werewolf Fenrir Greyback, died from heatstroke while hiking in 2014 at age 50.

Derek Deadman – Original Leaky Cauldron Landlord Tom

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

Alan Rickman – Professor Severus Snape

Alan Rickman, the iconic Severus Snape, passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2016 at age 69.

Terence Bayler – The Bloody Baron

Terence Bayler, who played the silent but menacing Bloody Baron, passed away in 2016 at the age of 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, the memorable Ollivander, 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, the affable Cornelius Fudge, passed away in 2017 at the age of 91.

Verne Troyer – Griphook

Verne Troyer, who played Griphook in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, died from complications of alcohol intoxication in 2018, later ruled a suicide.

Paul Ritter – Eldred Worple

Paul 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 portrayed Narcissa Malfoy, died of cancer in 2021 at the age of 52.

Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid

Robbie Coltrane, beloved as Hagrid, passed away from organ failure in 2022 at age 72.

Leslie Phillips – The Sorting Hat

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

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

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

Maggie Smith – Professor McGonagall

Dame Maggie Smith, the iconic Professor McGonagall, passed away in September 2024 at the age of 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 the age of 63.

This concludes our remembrance of the *Harry Potter* cast members we've lost. Their contributions to the magical world will forever be cherished.

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

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