25 Harry Potter Actors Who Have Sadly Passed Away

In Remembrance

Explore the lives and legacies of the Harry Potter actors who are no longer with us. This heartfelt tribute looks back at their unforgettable roles and the magic they brought to the beloved film series.

Maggie Smith

Legendary actress Maggie Smith, beloved for her portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall throughout the entire Harry Potter film series, died on September 27, 2024, at 89. With a career spanning more than 50 films, she earned acclaim not only as McGonagall but also as Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey. Her family shared that she passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, keeping true to her private nature.

Alan Rickman

Alan Rickman, unforgettable as Severus Snape, died in 2016 at age 69 after a private battle with pancreatic cancer. His family shared that he was surrounded by close friends and relatives at the time of his passing. Rickman’s depth, voice, and gravitas brought extraordinary complexity to Snape, making the character one of the saga’s most iconic figures.

Robbie Coltrane

Robbie Coltrane, adored for bringing Rubeus Hagrid to life through all eight Harry Potter films, died in October 2022 at 72. Earlier that year, he reflected emotionally during the 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts special, noting that while he wouldn’t always be around, Hagrid would live on for generations. Coltrane’s gentle, heartfelt portrayal made Hagrid one of the franchise’s most beloved characters.

Richard Harris

Before Michael Gambon stepped into the role, Richard Harris portrayed Albus Dumbledore in Sorcerer’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets. His gentle, grandfatherly version of the Hogwarts headmaster set the emotional foundation for the franchise. Harris was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease in mid-2002 and passed away just months later in October at age 72.

Michael Gambon

Sir Michael Gambon, who stepped into the iconic role of Albus Dumbledore beginning with Prisoner of Azkaban, died in September 2023 at 82 following pneumonia. His family shared that he passed peacefully in the hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus by his side. Gambon’s illustrious career included countless memorable characters, but his portrayal of Hogwarts’ wise and enigmatic headmaster remains one of his most recognized roles.

Richard Griffiths

Richard Griffiths, remembered for bringing Harry’s grumpy uncle Vernon Dursley to life, died in March 2013 at age 65 following complications from heart surgery. His sharp comedic timing and commanding presence made Vernon one of the series’ most memorable non-magical characters. Griffiths had an accomplished career on stage and screen, and his last film role was in About Time (2013), released a few months after his passing.

Helen McCrory

Helen McCrory, who portrayed Narcissa Malfoy with elegance and emotional depth, died of cancer in April 2021 at her home in London. She was 52. Her husband, Damian Lewis, announced the news with a heartfelt tribute describing her bravery, brilliance, and the immense love surrounding her in her final moments.

Robert Hardy

Robert Hardy played Cornelius Fudge, the anxious and often stubborn Minister of Magic, appearing in four Harry Potter films. His portrayal captured the political tension surrounding the Ministry’s denial of Voldemort’s return. Hardy died in 2017 at age 91, as confirmed by a family statement to the BBC. His long career included more than 70 years of work across theatre, film, and television.

Paul Ritter

Paul Ritter appeared briefly in Half-Blood Prince as Eldred Worple, a wizarding author who tried persuading Harry to let him write his biography. Ritter, known for his wide-ranging work on stage and television, died in April 2021 at age 54 from a brain tumor. His family stated he passed peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and sons.

Roger Lloyd Pack

Roger Lloyd Pack appeared in Goblet of Fire as Barty Crouch Sr., a stern Ministry of Magic official with a complicated family history. Outside the Wizarding World, he was beloved for comedic roles in British classics like Only Fools and Horses and The Vicar of Dibley. He died of pancreatic cancer in January 2014 at age 69.

Peter Cartwright

Peter Cartwright, who portrayed Elphias Doge, close friend of Dumbledore and member of the Order of the Phoenix, died in 2013 at age 78. His role in Order of the Phoenix introduced audiences to one of Dumbledore’s oldest companions. After Cartwright’s passing, David Ryall played Doge in Deathly Hallows: Part 1. Cartwright had a long, respected acting career, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and dedication to his craft.

Leslie Phillips

Leslie Phillips, the veteran actor who voiced the Sorting Hat, died peacefully in his sleep in November 2022 at the age of 98. Known for his charming wit and long, celebrated career, he became a beloved figure both on and off screen. His wife, Zara Carr, described him as a wonderful husband and a national treasure adored by the public.

Robert Knox

Robert Knox played Marcus Belby in Half-Blood Prince, appearing as part of Professor Slughorn’s elite “Slug Club.” Tragically, Knox died in 2008 at only 18 years old after being stabbed while defending his younger brother outside a London bar. His death occurred just after filming, and he had been set to continue in later movies.

Verne Troyer

Verne Troyer portrayed the goblin Griphook in The Sorcerer’s Stone, helping establish the world inside Gringotts Wizarding Bank. Although Warwick Davis later took over the role, Troyer’s early performance introduced audiences to one of the franchise’s most important goblins. Known globally for his role as Mini-Me in the Austin Powers series, Troyer brought distinct energy to every performance.

Paul Grant

Actor and stunt performer Paul Grant, best known to Harry Potter fans for playing a Gringotts goblin in Sorcerer’s Stone, passed away in March 2023 at age 56. His fantasy-film résumé also included roles in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Labyrinth, Willow, and Legend. Standing 4'4", Grant lived with Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, a rare genetic disorder affecting growth and joints.

Sam Beazley

British actor Sam Beazley, who portrayed the former Hogwarts headmaster Professor Everard in Order of the Phoenix, died peacefully in his sleep in 2017 at the age of 101. His long life included decades of theatre and film work, making him one of the oldest actors connected to the Harry Potter series.

John Hurt

John Hurt played the soft-spoken wandmaker Garrick Ollivander, appearing in Sorcerer’s Stone and returning for key moments in the final films. Known for his extraordinary versatility and decades-long career, Hurt brought depth to the mysterious and revered craftsman. He died in 2017 at age 77 after battling pancreatic cancer, having first been diagnosed in 2015.

Simon Fisher-Becker

Simon Fisher-Becker, who appeared as one of Hogwarts’ many ghosts in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone back in 2001, passed away on March 9, 2025, at age 63. His husband, Tony, shared the heartbreaking announcement on Facebook, explaining that Simon died that afternoon and expressing uncertainty about future posts.

Terence Bayler

Terence Bayler portrayed the Bloody Baron, one of Hogwarts’ eerie resident ghosts, in The Sorcerer’s Stone. With his unsettling presence and ghostly silence, Bayler’s performance added atmospheric depth to the early films. The New Zealand-born actor enjoyed a long and varied career in film and theatre, earning respect for his versatility. He died in 2016 at the age of 86.

Timothy Bateson

Timothy Bateson, who voiced the cantankerous house-elf Kreacher in Order of the Phoenix, died in 2009 at age 83. His performance brought personality and grit to the character during his brief but significant appearance. After his passing, Simon McBurney took over the role for Deathly Hallows: Part 1. Bateson’s long career spanned stage, film, and voice work.

Jimmy Gardner

Jimmy Gardner, who played Ernie Prang, the slightly reckless Knight Bus driver, in Prisoner of Azkaban, died in 2010 at age 85. His performance added the right charm to one of the film’s most memorable sequences. Before appearing in Harry Potter, Gardner had a lengthy acting career spanning more than half a century, making him a respected figure in British entertainment.

Hazel Douglas

Hazel Douglas, who played historian Bathilda Bagshot in Deathly Hallows: Part 1, died in 2016 at the age of 92. Despite being well into her 80s when cast, she brought depth to the role of the famed author of 'A History of Magic'. Her performance added eerie intensity to one of the film’s most unsettling scenes.

Elizabeth Spriggs

Elizabeth Spriggs, who portrayed the iconic Fat Lady guarding Gryffindor Tower, died in 2008 at age 78. A veteran actress associated with the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre, Spriggs brought theatrical flair and humor to the role. Her interpretation of the Fat Lady became instantly recognizable among fans.

Derek Deadman

Derek Deadman, who played Tom the landlord of the Leaky Cauldron in Philosopher’s Stone, died in 2014 from complications related to diabetes. His brief appearance introduced one of Diagon Alley’s most recognizable locations. The role was later recast with Jim Tavaré, who portrayed Tom with a completely different look.

Dave Legeno

Dave Legeno played Fenrir Greyback, the terrifying werewolf and Death Eater who appeared in the later Harry Potter films. A trained fighter and actor, Legeno brought an intimidating physicality to the role, making Greyback one of the franchise’s darkest villains. He died in 2014 at age 50 after going missing during a hike in California’s Death Valley.