The Harry Potter film franchise, based on J.K. Rowling’s iconic books, became a cultural phenomenon, drawing in a diverse range of talented actors. These films not only catapulted young stars to fame but also featured some of the most respected names in the industry. Unfortunately, over the years, we have lost several beloved actors from the Harry Potter universe. Here’s a tribute to the actors who have passed away since the release of the films:
1. Richard Harris – Albus Dumbledore
Richard Harris, who portrayed the wise and kind Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films, passed away in 2002 at the age of 72 from Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Harris, known for his roles in Camelot and This Sporting Life, was initially hesitant to take on the role but was persuaded by his granddaughter. Michael Gambon later took over as Dumbledore.
2. Robert Knox – Marcus Belby
Robert Knox, who played Marcus Belby in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, tragically died at just 18 years old in 2008. He was fatally stabbed outside a London bar while trying to protect his brother.
3. Elizabeth Spriggs – The Fat Lady
Elizabeth Spriggs, who portrayed the Fat Lady, the portrait guarding Gryffindor Tower, passed away in 2008 at the age of 78. Her death was caused by a combination of medications and alcohol.
4. Timothy Bateson – Kreacher
Timothy Bateson, the voice of Kreacher the house-elf in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, died in 2009 at 83. Bateson was known for his eccentric roles and brought a unique voice to the grumpy elf.
5. Jimmy Gardner – Ernie Prang
Jimmy Gardner, who played the Knight Bus driver Ernie Prang in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, died in 2010 at the age of 83 due to pneumonia.
6. Alfred Burke – Armando Dippet
Alfred Burke portrayed Armando Dippet, the former headmaster of Hogwarts, in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Burke passed away in 2011, just days before turning 93.
7. Eric Sykes – Frank Bryce
Eric Sykes, known for playing the Muggle gardener Frank Bryce in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, died in 2012 at 89 following a short illness.
8. Richard Griffiths – Vernon Dursley
Richard Griffiths, who portrayed Harry Potter’s harsh uncle Vernon Dursley, passed away in 2013 at 65 after complications from heart surgery.
9. Peter Cartwright – Elphias Doge
Peter Cartwright, who played the role of Elphias Doge in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, died in 2013 from cancer at the age of 78.
10. Roger Lloyd Pack – Barty Crouch Senior
Roger Lloyd Pack, best known for his roles in Only Fools and Horses, played Barty Crouch Senior in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. He passed away in 2014 at 69 from pancreatic cancer.
11. Rik Mayall – Peeves the Poltergeist
Rik Mayall, originally cast as Peeves the Poltergeist, filmed scenes for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, but they were ultimately cut. Mayall passed away in 2014 at the age of 56 from a heart attack.
12. Derek Deadman – Tom from the Leaky Cauldron
Derek Deadman, who portrayed Tom the landlord of the Leaky Cauldron in the first Harry Potter film, passed away in 2014 at 74 due to complications from diabetes.
13. David Ryall – Elphias Doge
David Ryall, who took over the role of Elphias Doge in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, passed away on Christmas Day 2014 at 79.
14. Dave Legeno – Fenrir Greyback
Dave Legeno, who played the terrifying werewolf Fenrir Greyback, died in 2014 at 50 after being found in California’s Death Valley. The cause of death was believed to be heat-related.
15. Alan Rickman – Severus Snape
Alan Rickman, who gave a legendary performance as Severus Snape, passed away in 2016 from pancreatic cancer at the age of 69. His portrayal of Snape, with layers of depth and emotion, became one of the most iconic characters in the Harry Potter series.
16. Terence Bayler – The Bloody Baron
Terence Bayler, who played the Bloody Baron in the first Harry Potter film, died in 2016 at 86.
17. Hazel Douglas – Bathilda Bagshot
Hazel Douglas, who portrayed the magical historian Bathilda Bagshot in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, passed away in 2016 at 92.
18. John Hurt – Garrick Ollivander
John Hurt, who portrayed the beloved wandmaker Garrick Ollivander in three Harry Potter films, passed away in 2017 at 77 after battling cancer.
19. Sam Beazley – Professor Everard
Sam Beazley, who appeared as the portrait of Professor Everard in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, died in 2017 at the age of 101.
20. Robert Hardy – Cornelius Fudge
Robert Hardy, who portrayed Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, died in 2017 at 91.
21. Verne Troyer – Griphook
Verne Troyer, known for playing the goblin Griphook in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, tragically died in 2018 at 49 from alcohol intoxication.
22. Paul Ritter – Eldred Worple
Paul Ritter, who portrayed Eldred Worple in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, passed away in 2021 at 54 from a brain tumor.
23. Helen McCrory – Narcissa Malfoy
Helen McCrory, who played Narcissa Malfoy, passed away in 2021 at 52 following a battle with breast cancer. She was also famous for her role in Peaky Blinders.
24. Robbie Coltrane – Rubeus Hagrid
Robbie Coltrane, who played the beloved half-giant Rubeus Hagrid, died in 2022 at the age of 72. He was a fan favorite, and his heartfelt words in the Harry Potter: Return to Hogwarts special touched many.
25. Leslie Phillips – The Sorting Hat
Leslie Phillips, who voiced the Sorting Hat, passed away in 2022 at 98 after suffering from two strokes earlier in life.
26. Paul Grant – Goblin (Uncredited)
Paul Grant, who played an uncredited goblin in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, tragically died in 2023 at 56 after collapsing outside King’s Cross Station.
27. Michael Gambon – Albus Dumbledore
Michael Gambon, who famously took over the role of Albus Dumbledore following Richard Harris’ death, passed away in 2023 at 82 from pneumonia.
28. Samantha Davis – Goblin (Uncredited)
Samantha Davis, who had an uncredited role as a goblin in the Harry Potter series and was the wife of Warwick Davis, passed away in 2024 at 53.
29. Maggie Smith – Minerva McGonagall
Maggie Smith, who portrayed the formidable Professor Minerva McGonagall in all eight Harry Potter films, passed away in 2024 at the age of 89. She was known for her career-defining performances both in film and on stage.
These actors, who brought the magic of Harry Potter to life, will always be remembered for their incredible contributions to the world of film and for the unforgettable characters they portrayed.
