Harry Potter Cast: Order of Deaths

When we lose members of the original *Harry Potter* cast, fans send out a "wands up" in honor of their memory. These actors were not just entertainers; they were a part of our journey growing up, and their contributions to the magical world of Harry Potter will never be forgotten. Here's a tribute to all the beloved *Harry Potter* cast members we've lost over the years, listed in chronological order of their passing.

Harry Potter Cast Member Deaths, In Chronological Order

The enchanting world of *Harry Potter* first graced our screens in 2001, enchanting audiences with tales of magic and adventure. Over two decades later, the joy and sorrow of the series remain intertwined, as we've had to bid farewell to several of the actors who brought this world to life.

Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore

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. His gentle portrayal of the headmaster left an indelible mark on fans worldwide.

Robert Knox – Marcus Belby

Robert Knox played Marcus Belby, a member of the Slug Club, in *The Half-Blood Prince*. Tragically, he was killed in a stabbing incident in 2008 at the young age of 18. His untimely death left a void in the *Harry Potter* community, and the character was not recast for subsequent films.

Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady

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 changes in the portrait's design and location. Spriggs passed away in 2008 at the age of 78.

Timothy Bateson – Kreacher

Timothy Bateson provided the voice for Kreacher, the Black family's house elf, 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

Jimmy Gardner's brief appearance as the Knight Bus driver Ernie in *Prisoner of Azkaban* left a lasting impression with his iconic big-glasses look and erratic driving. 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 delivered the memorable line, "No post on Sundays," as Vernon Dursley in all of the *Harry Potter* films. He passed away in 2013 due to complications from heart surgery at the age of 65.

Peter Cartwright – Original Elphias Doge

Peter Cartwright played Elphias Doge, a member of the Order of the Phoenix, in the *Order of the Phoenix* film. 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

Dave Legeno brought to life the terrifying werewolf Fenrir Greyback. 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 due to complications from diabetes, and the 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 passed away in 2014 at the age of 79.

Alan Rickman – Professor Severus Snape

Alan Rickman portrayed the complex character of Severus Snape throughout all eight *Harry Potter* films. He passed away in 2016 from pancreatic cancer at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances.

Terence Bayler – The Bloody Baron

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

Hazel Douglas – Bathilda Bagshot

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 died of 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

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

Verne Troyer played the goblin Griphook in *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone*, though Warwick Davis provided the voice. Troyer passed away in 2018 due to complications from alcohol intoxication, later ruled a suicide.

Paul Ritter – Eldred Worple

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

Helen McCrory – Narcissa Malfoy

Helen McCrory portrayed Narcissa Malfoy, mother to Draco Malfoy, in the *Harry Potter* series. She passed away in 2021 at the age of 52 from cancer.

Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid

Robbie Coltrane's portrayal of Rubeus Hagrid in all eight *Harry Potter* films won the hearts of fans worldwide. He passed away in 2022 from organ failure at the age of 72.

Leslie Phillips – The Sorting Hat

Leslie Phillips, though never seen on screen, provided the voice for the Sorting Hat at Hogwarts. 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 after suffering from pneumonia at the age of 82.

Maggie Smith – Professor McGonagall

Dame Maggie Smith portrayed the stern yet caring Professor Minerva 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.

And that's all *Harry Potter* cast deaths in 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 members.*