Harry Potter Cast: Order of Deaths

When we lose members of the beloved *Harry Potter* cast, fans worldwide pay tribute with a poignant "wands up" gesture, honoring the memories of those who brought the magical world of Hogwarts to life. These actors were more than just performers; they were a significant part of many fans' childhoods and beyond. Here is a comprehensive list of the *Harry Potter* cast members we've sadly lost, presented in chronological order of their passing.

Harry Potter Cast Member Deaths, In Chronological Order

The *Harry Potter* saga began enchanting audiences with its first film in 2001. Over the subsequent two decades, the cast has taken us on unforgettable journeys through the Wizarding World. However, time has also brought the sorrow of losing several of these cherished actors.

Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore

Image via Warner Bros. 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.

Robert Knox – Marcus Belby

Robert Knox played the Slug Club member Marcus Belby in The Half-Blood Prince. Tragically, he was stabbed and died at the young age of 18 in 2008. His role was not recast for the remaining films.

Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady

Image via Warner Bros. Elizabeth Spriggs brought to life the painting guarding Gryffindor Tower, known as the Fat Lady. Her role was recast for The Prisoner of Azkaban due to a change in the character's appearance and location. 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

Image via Warner Bros. Jimmy Gardner's brief appearance as the erratic Knight Bus driver Ernie in Prisoner of Azkaban left a lasting impression with his iconic big glasses. He passed away in 2010 at the age of 85.

Alfred Burke – Armando Dippet

Alfred Burke portrayed 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

Image via Warner Bros. Richard Griffiths delivered the iconic "No post on Sundays" line as Vernon Dursley in all Harry Potter films. He passed away in 2013 from complications following heart surgery at the age of 65.

Peter Cartwright – Original Elphias Doge

Peter Cartwright played the Order of the Phoenix member Elphias Doge in The Order of the Phoenix. He passed away before The Deathly Hallows: Part I was filmed, 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 portrayed the terrifying werewolf Fenrir Greyback. He tragically died 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 passed away in 2014 due to diabetes complications, and the role was recast for his subsequent 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.

Alan Rickman – Professor Severus Snape

Image via Warner Bros. Alan Rickman portrayed the enigmatic Professor Severus Snape in all eight Harry Potter films. He succumbed to 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

Image via Warner Bros. Hazel Douglas portrayed the author of A History of Magic, Bathilda Bagshot, in The Deathly Hallows: Part I. She passed away 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 passed away from 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 well-meaning but ineffective 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 the goblin Griphook, though he did not provide the voice. Warwick Davis voiced the character later on. Troyer passed away in 2018 due to complications from alcohol intoxication, later ruled a suicide.

Paul Ritter – Eldred Worple

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

Helen McCrory – Narcissa Malfoy

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

Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid

Image via Warner Bros. Robbie Coltrane brought to life the beloved half-giant Hagrid in all eight Harry Potter films. He passed away from organ failure in 2022 at the age of 72.

Leslie Phillips – The Sorting Hat

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

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 after battling pneumonia in 2023 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 movie, The Philosopher’s Stone. He passed away in March 2025 at the age of 63.

This list honors the *Harry Potter* cast members we've lost, reflecting on their contributions to the magical world that has touched so many lives. Their legacies live on through the characters they brought to life and the memories they've left with fans around the globe.

*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.*