When we lose members of the beloved *Harry Potter* cast, fans around the world unite in a poignant "wands up" tribute to honor their memory. These actors weren't just performers; they were a part of our journey growing up, bringing magic to life in ways that touched countless hearts. Here, we remember all the *Harry Potter* cast members we've sadly lost, listed in the chronological order of their passing.
The enchanting world of *Harry Potter* first graced our screens in 2001, marking over two decades since we were first transported to Hogwarts and beyond. Over the years, the joy of these films has been tempered by the sorrow of losing some of the talented actors who brought this magical universe to life.
Richard Harris, who portrayed the wise and gentle Albus Dumbledore in the first two *Harry Potter* films, passed away in 2002 from Hodgkin’s Disease at the age of 72. His portrayal left an indelible mark on the series.
Robert Knox played the role of Marcus Belby, a member of the Slug Club, in *The Half-Blood Prince*. Tragically, he was just 18 years old when he was killed in a stabbing incident in 2008. The character was not recast for the subsequent films.
Elizabeth Spriggs brought the animated portrait of the Fat Lady, guardian of Gryffindor Tower, to life. Her role was recast for *The Prisoner of Azkaban*. Spriggs passed away in 2008 at the age of 78.
Timothy Bateson provided the voice for the Black family's house-elf, Kreacher, in *The Order of the Phoenix*. He died in 2009 at the age of 83, before the completion of the series, and the role was taken over by Simon McBurney.
Jimmy Gardner's brief yet memorable appearance as the Knight Bus driver, Ernie, in *Prisoner of Azkaban* showcased his character's iconic big glasses and erratic driving. He passed away in 2010 at the age of 85.
Alfred Burke played the former headmaster of Hogwarts, Armando Dippet, in *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*. He died in 2011 at the age of 92.
Richard Griffiths brought the character of Vernon Dursley to life with his unforgettable performance, including the iconic "No post on Sundays" line. He passed away in 2013 from complications following heart surgery, at the age of 65.
Peter Cartwright portrayed the Order of the Phoenix member Elphias Doge in *The Order of the Phoenix*. He passed away before the filming of *The Deathly Hallows: Part I*, and the role was recast. Cartwright died in 2013 at the age of 78.
Dave Legeno portrayed the terrifying werewolf Fenrir Greyback. He tragically passed away from heatstroke while hiking in 2014, at the age of 50.
Derek Deadman played Tom, the landlord of the Leaky Cauldron, in the first *Harry Potter* film. He died in 2014 from complications of diabetes, and the role was recast for later films.
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's portrayal of the complex and enigmatic Severus Snape in all eight *Harry Potter* films was unforgettable. He passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2016, at the age of 69.
Terence Bayler played the silent yet eerie Slytherin ghost, the Bloody Baron. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 86.
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.
Sir John Hurt brought the wandmaker Ollivander to life in the *Harry Potter* films. He passed away from pancreatic cancer in early 2017, just after his 77th birthday.
Sam Beazley portrayed 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 played the bumbling yet endearing Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 91.
In *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*, Verne Troyer portrayed Griphook the goblin, though Warwick Davis provided the voice. Troyer sadly died from complications of alcohol intoxication, later ruled a suicide, in 2018.
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 brought depth to the role of Narcissa Malfoy, Draco's mother. She passed away from cancer in 2021 at the age of 52.
Robbie Coltrane's portrayal of the beloved half-giant Hagrid in all eight *Harry Potter* films was nothing short of magical. He passed away from organ failure in 2022 at the age of 72.
Though never seen on screen, Leslie Phillips was the voice behind the Sorting Hat at Hogwarts. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 98.
Sir Michael Gambon took on the role of Professor Albus Dumbledore starting from the third *Harry Potter* film. He passed away after suffering from pneumonia in 2023 at the age of 82.
Dame Maggie Smith's portrayal of the stern yet caring Professor McGonagall spanned all eight *Harry Potter* films. She passed away in September 2024 at the age of 89.
Simon Fisher-Becker played the friendly ghost of Hufflepuff, the Fat Friar, in the first *Harry Potter* movie, *the Philosopher’s Stone*. He passed away in March 2025 at the age of 63.
And that's all the *Harry Potter* cast members we've lost, listed in the 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.*