"Harry Potter Cast Members: Chronological Order of Deaths"

In the world of *Harry Potter*, the loss of a cast member feels like losing a piece of our magical childhood. As fans, we pay tribute to these beloved actors with a "wands up" gesture, honoring their contributions to the enchanting universe that shaped so many of our lives. Here, we remember and celebrate the lives of the *Harry Potter* cast members we've lost, listed in the order of their passing.

Harry Potter Cast Member Deaths, In Chronological Order

The journey into the Wizarding World began with the release of the first *Harry Potter* film in 2001. Over two decades later, we reflect on the cherished actors who brought this world to life and who are no longer with us.

Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore

Image via Warner Bros. Richard Harris, who portrayed the wise and venerable Albus Dumbledore in the initial two Harry Potter films, passed away in 2002 from Hodgkin’s Disease at the age of 72. His performance left an indelible mark on the franchise.

Robert Knox – Marcus Belby

Robert Knox took on the role of Slug Club member Marcus Belby in The Half-Blood Prince. Tragically, he was only 18 when he was killed in a stabbing incident in 2008. The role of Marcus Belby was not recast for the remaining films, leaving his brief appearance as a poignant memory.

Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady

Image via Warner Bros. Elizabeth Spriggs brought charm to the role of the Fat Lady, the portrait guarding Gryffindor Tower. She appeared in the first two films but was recast for The Prisoner of Azkaban. Spriggs passed away in 2008 at the age of 78.

Timothy Bateson – Kreacher

Timothy Bateson provided the voice for Kreacher, the Black family's house elf, in The Order of the Phoenix. He passed away in 2009 at the age of 83, before the series concluded. The role was later voiced by Simon McBurney.

Jimmy Gardner – Knight Bus Driver Ernie

Image via Warner Bros. Jimmy Gardner's brief yet memorable appearance as the Knight Bus driver Ernie in Prisoner of Azkaban brought humor and excitement to the film. He passed away in 2010 at the age of 85.

Alfred Burke – Armando Dippet

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

Richard Griffiths – Uncle Vernon Dursley

Image via Warner Bros. Richard Griffiths' portrayal of the grumpy Uncle Vernon Dursley across all Harry Potter films is unforgettable, particularly his delivery of the line, "No post on Sundays." He passed away in 2013 due to complications from heart surgery at the age of 65.

Peter Cartwright – Original Elphias Doge

Peter Cartwright played 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 in 2013 at the age of 78.

Dave Legeno – Fenrir Greyback

Image via Warner Bros. Dave Legeno brought the terrifying werewolf Fenrir Greyback to life. He tragically passed away from heatstroke during a hike 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 due to complications from diabetes, and his role was recast for subsequent films.

David Ryall – Elphias Doge (Deathly Hallows)

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

Alan Rickman – Professor Severus Snape

Image via Warner Bros. Alan Rickman's portrayal of the enigmatic Severus Snape throughout all eight Harry Potter films is iconic. He passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2016 at the age of 69.

Terence Bayler – The Bloody Baron

Terence Bayler played the silent but chilling Slytherin ghost, the Bloody Baron. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 86.

Hazel Douglas – Bathilda Bagshot

Image via Warner Bros. Hazel Douglas portrayed Bathilda Bagshot, the author of A History of Magic, in The Deathly Hallows: Part I. She passed away in 2016 at the age of 92.

John Hurt – Ollivander

Sir John Hurt brought the wandmaker Ollivander to life in the Harry Potter films. He succumbed to pancreatic cancer in early 2017, shortly 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

Image via Warner Bros. Robert Hardy played the bumbling yet 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 Griphook the goblin, though Warwick Davis provided the voice. Troyer passed away in 2018 from complications of alcohol intoxication, later ruled a suicide.

Paul Ritter – Eldred Worple

Paul Ritter played Eldred Worple, a minor character and former student of Professor Horace Slughorn, in The Half-Blood Prince. He died from a brain tumor in 2021 at the age of 54.

Helen McCrory – Narcissa Malfoy

Image via Warner Bros. Helen McCrory portrayed Narcissa Malfoy, mother to Draco. She passed away from cancer in 2021 at the age of 52.

Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid

Image via Warner Bros. Robbie Coltrane's portrayal of the beloved half-giant Hagrid across all eight Harry Potter films is cherished by fans. He passed away from organ failure in 2022 at the age of 72.

Leslie Phillips – The Sorting Hat

Leslie Phillips, the voice behind Hogwarts' Sorting Hat, passed away in 2022 at the age of 98, though he was never seen on screen.

Michael Gambon – Dumbledore (Prisoner of Azkaban onwards)

Sir Michael Gambon took on the role of Professor Albus Dumbledore starting with the third Harry Potter film. He passed away in 2023 from pneumonia at the age of 82.

Maggie Smith – Professor McGonagall

Image via Warner Bros. 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 as the jovial ghost, the Fat Friar, in the first Harry Potter film, the Philosopher’s Stone. He passed away in March 2025 at the age of 63.

These actors left lasting impressions on fans and their contributions to the *Harry Potter* series will never be forgotten. Their memories continue to live on through the magic they helped create.

*The Harry Potter movies are available to stream now on Peacock.*

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