In the magical world of *Harry Potter*, the actors who brought these beloved characters to life have touched the hearts of fans worldwide. When we lose a member of the original cast, the fan community honors their memory with a poignant "wands up" tribute. Over the years, several actors from the *Harry Potter* series have sadly passed away, leaving behind cherished memories of their contributions to the Wizarding World. Here, we remember and honor those we've lost, in the order of their departure.
Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore
Image via Warner Bros.
Richard Harris, who portrayed the wise and powerful Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films, passed away in 2002 at the age of 72 due to Hodgkin’s Disease. His portrayal remains iconic and beloved by fans.
Robert Knox – Marcus Belby
Robert Knox played the character Marcus Belby, a member of the Slug Club, in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Tragically, he was only 18 when he was killed in a stabbing incident in 2008. The role of Belby was not recast for subsequent films, leaving his performance as a lasting memory.
Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady
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Elizabeth Spriggs brought the Fat Lady, the guardian of Gryffindor Tower, to life in the first two films. She passed away in 2008 at the age of 78. The role was recast for The Prisoner of Azkaban, but her original portrayal remains a fond memory for many.
Timothy Bateson – Kreacher
Timothy Bateson provided the voice for the house-elf Kreacher in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. He passed away in 2009 at the age of 83, before the series concluded. Simon McBurney later took over the role for the remaining films.
Jimmy Gardner – Knight Bus Driver Ernie
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Jimmy Gardner's memorable role as the eccentric Knight Bus driver, Ernie, in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban left a lasting impression. He passed away in 2010 at the age of 85.
Alfred Burke – Armando Dippet
Alfred Burke portrayed former Hogwarts headmaster Armando Dippet in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. He passed away in 2011 at the age of 92, leaving behind a brief but significant contribution to the series.
Richard Griffiths – Uncle Vernon Dursley
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Richard Griffiths, known for his role as the grumpy Uncle Vernon Dursley, was a constant presence throughout the Harry Potter series. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 65 due to complications from heart surgery. His line, "No post on Sundays," is etched in fans' memories.
Peter Cartwright – Original Elphias Doge
Peter Cartwright portrayed Elphias Doge in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. He passed away 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
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Dave Legeno brought the terrifying werewolf Fenrir Greyback to life. He tragically 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 at the age of 74 from diabetes complications, and the role was recast for 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.
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Alan Rickman – Professor Severus Snape
Image via Warner Bros.
Alan Rickman's portrayal of the enigmatic Severus Snape across all eight films is unforgettable. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 69 due to pancreatic cancer, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate with fans.
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
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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 character of wandmaker Ollivander to life. He passed away from pancreatic cancer in early 2017, just 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 lived a long life, passing away in 2017 at the age of 101.
Robert Hardy – Cornelius Fudge
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Robert Hardy played the bumbling Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 91.
Verne Troyer – Griphook
Verne Troyer played Griphook the goblin in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, though he did not voice the character. He passed away in 2018 at the age of 49 from complications of alcohol intoxication, later ruled a suicide. Warwick Davis later voiced and portrayed the character.
Paul Ritter – Eldred Worple
Paul Ritter played the minor character Eldred Worple in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. He passed away in 2021 at the age of 54 from a brain tumor.
Helen McCrory – Narcissa Malfoy
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Helen McCrory portrayed Narcissa Malfoy, Draco's protective mother. She passed away in 2021 at the age of 52 due to cancer.
Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid
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Robbie Coltrane's portrayal of the beloved half-giant Hagrid spanned all eight films. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 72 due to organ failure.
Leslie Phillips – The Sorting Hat
Leslie Phillips lent his voice to the Sorting Hat, a role that, while unseen, was crucial to the Harry Potter universe. 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 Albus Dumbledore starting with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. He passed away in 2023 at the age of 82 after suffering from pneumonia.
Maggie Smith – Professor McGonagall
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Dame Maggie Smith portrayed the stern yet caring Professor McGonagall across all eight 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. He passed away in March 2025 at the age of 63.
These actors have left an indelible mark on the *Harry Potter* series, and their memories continue to live on through their performances. As fans, we honor them with a "wands up" tribute, celebrating their contributions to the magical world that has captured our imaginations.
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.
