When we lose members of the original *Harry Potter* cast, fans honor their memory with a poignant "wands up" gesture. These actors were not just entertainers but integral parts of our journey through childhood and beyond. Here's a tribute to all the beloved *Harry Potter* cast members we've sadly lost, listed in chronological order of their passing.

Harry Potter Cast Member Deaths, In Chronological Order

The *Harry Potter* saga began enchanting audiences in 2001, marking over two decades since we first stepped into Hogwarts and the Wizarding World. Over these years, we've had to bid farewell to several actors who brought this magical universe to life.

Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore

Image via Warner Bros. Richard Harris, who portrayed the wise and beloved Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films, passed away in 2002 at the age of 72 from Hodgkin’s Disease.

Robert Knox – Marcus Belby

Robert Knox played Marcus Belby, a member of the Slug Club in The Half-Blood Prince. Tragically, he was only 18 when he was killed in a stabbing in 2008. His character was not recast for the remaining films.

Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady

Image via Warner Bros. Elizabeth Spriggs brought to life the painting that guards Gryffindor Tower, known as the Fat Lady. Her role was recast for The Prisoner of Azkaban due to a change in the portrait'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 died in 2009 at the age of 83, before the series concluded. Simon McBurney took over the role for the remaining films.

Jimmy Gardner – Knight Bus Driver Ernie

Image via Warner Bros. 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 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 memorable line, "No post on Sundays," as Vernon Dursley in all Harry Potter films. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 65 due to complications from heart surgery.

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 died in 2013 at the age of 78, before the filming of The Deathly Hallows: Part I, leading to the role being recast.

Dave Legeno – Fenrir Greyback

Image via Warner Bros. Dave Legeno brought the terrifying werewolf Fenrir Greyback to life. 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 from diabetes complications, and the role was recast for subsequent 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 the age of 79.

Alan Rickman – Professor Severus Snape

Image via Warner Bros. Alan Rickman portrayed the complex character of Severus Snape throughout all eight Harry Potter films. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 69 from pancreatic cancer.

Terence Bayler – The Bloody Baron

Terence Bayler played the silent but 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 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 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 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 the minor character Eldred Worple, a former student of Professor Horace Slughorn, in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. He died in 2021 at the age of 54 from a brain tumor.

Helen McCrory – Narcissa Malfoy

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

Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid

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

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

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, Fat Friar, in the first Harry Potter movie, the Philosopher’s Stone. He passed away in March 2025 at the age of 63.

These actors have left an indelible mark on the *Harry Potter* series and in our hearts. Their contributions to the magical world will never be forgotten. As we remember them, let's keep our wands up in their honor.

*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.*