Harry Potter Cast Deaths: Full Timeline

When we lose beloved members of the original Harry Potter cast, fans worldwide raise their virtual wands in tribute. For countless fans, these performers were inseparable from our childhood memories. To honor their legacies, here's a chronological remembrance of the Harry Potter cast members we've lost.

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Harry Potter Cast Member Deaths, In Chronological Order

The Wizarding World first appeared on screen in 2001, meaning more than two decades have passed since we first journeyed to Hogwarts. Sadly, this passage of time has meant saying goodbye to several magical performers who helped create this unforgettable universe.

Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore

Harris brought wisdom and warmth to Albus Dumbledore in the first two films before passing from Hodgkin's Disease in 2002 at 72.

Robert Knox – Marcus Belby

Knox played the minor role of Slug Club member Marcus Belby in The Half-Blood Prince before his tragic stabbing death at just 18 in 2008.

Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady

Spriggs voiced Gryffindor Tower's portrait guardian before passing in 2008 at 78, after which the role was recast.

Timothy Bateson – Original Kreacher

Bateson gave voice to the Black family's house-elf in Order of the Phoenix before his 2009 death at 83.

Jimmy Gardner – Knight Bus Driver Ernie

Gardner's brief but memorable Knight Bus appearance remains iconic despite his 2010 passing at 85.

Alfred Burke – Armando Dippet

Burke played Hogwarts' former headmaster in Chamber of Secrets before dying in 2011 at 92.

Richard Griffiths – Vernon Dursley

Griffiths perfectly embodied Harry's oppressive uncle before dying from heart surgery complications in 2013 at 65.

Dave Legeno – Fenrir Greyback

Legeno's terrifying werewolf portrayal ended with his 2014 hiking death from heatstroke at 50.

Alan Rickman – Severus Snape

Rickman's complex Snape performance ended with his 2016 pancreatic cancer death at 69.

John Hurt – Ollivander

The legendary actor brought the wandmaker to life before dying of pancreatic cancer in 2017 at 77.

Helen McCrory – Narcissa Malfoy

McCrory's powerful Narcissa ended with her 2021 cancer death at 52.

Robbie Coltrane – Rubeus Hagrid

The beloved half-giant performer died from organ failure in 2022 at 72.

Michael Gambon – Later Dumbledore

Stepping into Dumbledore's robes from Prisoner of Azkaban onward, Gambon passed from pneumonia in 2023 at 82.

The Harry Potter movies are currently streaming on Peacock.

This memorial was last updated March 10, 2025 by Escapist Editorial.