Harry Potter Cast: Chronological Order of Deaths

In the magical world of *Harry Potter*, the actors who brought these beloved characters to life have left an indelible mark on fans worldwide. When we lose these cherished members of the original cast, fans honor their memory with a poignant "wands up" gesture. Here, we pay tribute to those who have departed, remembering their contributions to the enchanting universe of Hogwarts and beyond.

Recommended Videos Harry Potter Cast Member Deaths, In Chronological Order

The first Harry Potter film graced our screens in 2001, marking the beginning of a magical journey that has spanned over two decades. As time has passed, we've sadly had to bid farewell to many of the actors who helped craft this mesmerizing world.

Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore

Richard Harris, who portrayed the wise and venerable Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films, passed away from Hodgkin’s Disease in 2002 at the age of 72. His portrayal laid the foundation for one of the series' most iconic characters.

Robert Knox – Marcus Belby

Robert Knox played Marcus Belby, a member of the Slug Club, in The Half-Blood Prince. Tragically, he was just 18 when he died in a stabbing incident in 2008. His character, though minor, was not recast in the subsequent films, leaving a poignant reminder of his brief time in the Harry Potter universe.

Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady

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

Timothy Bateson – Kreacher

Timothy Bateson voiced the Black family's house-elf, Kreacher, 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 appearance as the Knight Bus driver Ernie in Prisoner of Azkaban left a lasting impression with his iconic big glasses and erratic driving. He 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 memorable line "No post on Sundays" as Vernon Dursley in all 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 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 the role being recast. Cartwright died at the age of 78 in 2013.

Dave Legeno – Fenrir Greyback

Dave Legeno chillingly portrayed the werewolf Fenrir Greyback. He 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 the role was recast for his later 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 brought depth and complexity to the role of Severus Snape across 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 yet 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 died in 2016 at the age of 92.

John Hurt – Ollivander

Sir John Hurt brought the character of 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 played the portrait of Professor Everard, with whom Dumbledore briefly converses 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 bumbling yet well-meaning 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 Griphook the goblin, though Warwick Davis provided the character's voice and later portrayed him after Troyer's passing. Troyer died from complications of alcohol intoxication, later ruled a suicide, in 2018.

Paul Ritter – Eldred Worple

Paul Ritter played Eldred Worple, a minor character and 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 died of cancer in 2021 at the age of 52.

Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid

Robbie Coltrane brought warmth and charm to the role of Hagrid in all eight Harry Potter films. He died 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' 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 died 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.

Simon Fisher-Becker – Fat Friar

Simon Fisher-Becker appeared in the first Harry Potter movie, the Philosopher’s Stone, as the jovial ghost, 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.