"Harry Potter Cast Members' Deaths Chronologically Listed"

In the magical world of *Harry Potter*, the actors who brought our beloved characters to life hold a special place in our hearts. As we've journeyed through the years since the first film's release in 2001, we've unfortunately had to say goodbye to some of these cherished performers. In honor of their contributions and as a tribute to their memory, fans often participate in a poignant "wands up" gesture. Here, we remember the members of the *Harry Potter* cast we've lost, listed chronologically by their passing.

Harry Potter Cast Member Deaths, In Chronological Order

Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore

Richard Harris, who portrayed the wise and venerable Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films, sadly passed away in 2002 at the age of 72 from Hodgkin's Disease. His portrayal of the headmaster left a lasting impact on fans and the franchise.

Robert Knox – Marcus Belby

Robert Knox played 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. His character was not recast for subsequent films, leaving a somber note on his brief but impactful role.

Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady

Elizabeth Spriggs brought to life the Fat Lady, the guardian of Gryffindor Tower, in the early films. She passed away in 2008 at 78 years old, and her role was recast for The Prisoner of Azkaban, where the character's appearance and location changed.

Timothy Bateson – Kreacher

Timothy Bateson lent his voice to 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. Simon McBurney later voiced Kreacher for the remaining films.

Jimmy Gardner – Knight Bus Driver Ernie

Jimmy Gardner played Ernie, the memorable Knight Bus driver in Prisoner of Azkaban. His brief but unforgettable appearance in the film's iconic scene left a lasting impression. Gardner passed away in 2010 at the age of 85.

Alfred Burke – Armando Dippet

Alfred Burke portrayed Armando Dippet, a 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

Richard Griffiths played the grumpy Uncle Vernon Dursley in all eight Harry Potter films. His memorable line, "No post on Sundays," became a fan favorite. Griffiths passed away in 2013 at 65 years old due to complications from heart surgery.

Peter Cartwright – Original Elphias Doge

Peter Cartwright portrayed 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 recasting of his role. Cartwright died in 2013 at the age of 78.

Dave Legeno – Fenrir Greyback

Dave Legeno played 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 portrayed Tom, the landlord of the Leaky Cauldron, in the first Harry Potter film. He passed away in 2014 from diabetes complications, and his role was recast for later appearances.

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

Alan Rickman portrayed the enigmatic Severus Snape across all eight Harry Potter films. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 69 from pancreatic cancer, leaving behind a legacy of complex and captivating performances.

Terence Bayler – The Bloody Baron

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

Hazel Douglas – Bathilda Bagshot

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 passed away in early 2017 from pancreatic cancer, 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

Robert Hardy played the bumbling 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 The Half-Blood Prince. He passed away in 2021 at the age of 54 from a brain tumor.

Helen McCrory – Narcissa Malfoy

Helen McCrory portrayed Narcissa Malfoy, the protective mother of Draco. She passed away in 2021 at the age of 52 due to cancer.

Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid

Robbie Coltrane played the beloved half-giant Hagrid in all eight Harry Potter films. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 72 from organ failure, leaving fans with cherished memories of his warm and endearing character.

Leslie Phillips – The Sorting Hat

Leslie Phillips provided the voice for the Sorting Hat throughout the Harry Potter series. 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 The Prisoner of Azkaban. He passed away in 2023 at the age of 82 after suffering from pneumonia.

Maggie Smith – Professor McGonagall

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, leaving behind a legacy of strength and wisdom.

Simon Fisher-Becker – Fat Friar

Simon Fisher-Becker played the friendly ghost, the Fat Friar, in the first Harry Potter movie. He passed away in March 2025 at the age of 63.

These actors, through their roles in the *Harry Potter* series, have left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans around the world. As we continue to enjoy the magic they helped create, we honor their memories with a collective "wands up."

*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.*