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.
Remembering the *Harry Potter* Cast We've Lost
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 it inhabits. This time has, unfortunately, brought with it the loss of many talented individuals who helped bring this beloved world to life.
Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore
Image via Warner Bros.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, who played Marcus Belby in The Half-Blood Prince, tragically died in 2008 at the age of 18. His character was not recast for subsequent films.
Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady
Image via Warner Bros.Elizabeth Spriggs, the original Fat Lady, passed away in 2008 at the age of 78. The role was recast for *The Prisoner of Azkaban*.
Timothy Bateson – Kreacher
Timothy Bateson, the voice of Kreacher in The Order of the Phoenix, passed away in 2009 at age 83. Simon McBurney voiced Kreacher in later films.
Jimmy Gardner – Knight Bus Driver Ernie
Image via Warner Bros.Jimmy Gardner, memorable for his portrayal of Ernie in *Prisoner of Azkaban*, passed away in 2010 at age 85.
Alfred Burke – Armando Dippet
Alfred Burke, who played Armando Dippet in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, passed away in 2011 at age 92.
Richard Griffiths – Uncle Vernon Dursley
Image via Warner Bros.Richard Griffiths, unforgettable as Vernon Dursley, passed away from heart surgery complications in 2013 at age 65.
Peter Cartwright – Original Elphias Doge
Peter Cartwright, who played Elphias Doge in The Order of the Phoenix, passed away in 2013 at age 78. The role was recast for later films.
Dave Legeno – Fenrir Greyback
Image via Warner Bros.Dave Legeno, who portrayed Fenrir Greyback, died from heatstroke in 2014 at age 50.
Derek Deadman – Original Leaky Cauldron Landlord Tom
Derek Deadman, the original Leaky Cauldron landlord, Tom, passed away from diabetes complications in 2014. The role was recast for later films.
David Ryall – Elphias Doge (*Deathly Hallows*)
David Ryall, who played Elphias Doge in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, died in 2014 at age 79.
Alan Rickman – Professor Severus Snape
Image via Warner Bros.Alan Rickman, who played the iconic Severus Snape, passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2016 at age 69.
Terence Bayler – The Bloody Baron
Terence Bayler, who portrayed the Bloody Baron, passed away in 2016 at the age of 86.
Hazel Douglas – Bathilda Bagshot
Image via Warner Bros.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 played 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, passed away in 2017 at the age of 101.
Robert Hardy – Cornelius Fudge
Image via Warner Bros.Robert Hardy, who played 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, passed away in 2018.
Paul Ritter – Eldred Worple
Paul Ritter, who played Eldred Worple in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, died of a brain tumor in 2021 at age 54.
Helen McCrory – Narcissa Malfoy
Image via Warner Bros.Helen McCrory, who played Narcissa Malfoy, died of cancer in 2021 at the age of 52.
Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid
Image via Warner Bros.Robbie Coltrane, who played 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 played Dumbledore from Prisoner of Azkaban onwards, passed away in 2023 at age 82.
Maggie Smith – Professor McGonagall
Image via Warner Bros.Dame Maggie Smith, who played Professor McGonagall, passed away in September 2024 at the age of 89.
Simon Fisher-Becker – Fat Friar
Simon Fisher-Becker, who played the Fat Friar in The Philosopher's Stone, passed away in March 2025 at the age of 63.
This list sadly concludes our remembrance of the *Harry Potter* cast members we've lost. Their contributions to the series will always be remembered.
The Harry Potter movies are streaming now on Peacock.
This article was updated on 3/10/2025 by Escapist Editorial to include additional Harry Potter cast members.