Ever since Warner Bros. adapted J.K. Rowling’s world of Harry Potter, the films have become more than just spells, houses, and magical creatures. For many fans, it also became about the particular actors who brought their beloved book characters to life and became part of their childhoods.
However, now that it’s been 25 years since the first Harry Potter book, Sorcerer’s Stone was brought to the big screen, Potterheads have had to say goodbye to several stars from the franchise. Now, the magical franchise has turned into a reminder that even the most magical worlds are touched by loss.
From Richard Harris and Alan Rickman to Maggie Smith and Michael Gambon, several iconic and important actors left us grieving with their demise, who were previously known for their unforgettable performances. So, as we remember them, let’s celebrate the legacy they created, which lives on through Hogwarts.
The table contains basic details on the Harry Potter films:
Franchise Name:Harry PotterAuthor:J.K. RowlingNo. of Books:7No. of Films:8 (excluding 3 Fantastic Beasts films)Production House:Warner Bros. PicturesKey Actors:Daniel RadcliffeRupert GrintEmma WatsonMichael GambonAlan RickmanRalph FiennesBox Office:$9.5 billion (all 11 films)
1. Maggie Smith
Oscar-winning actress Maggie Smith, who’s celebrated for a legendary career that spanned decades, passed away on September 27, 2024, at the age of 89. She appeared in over 50 films and countless stage productions, but remained popular throughout the latter part of her life for her role in the Harry Potter franchise.
In the Warner Bros. films, she played the role of the sharp-tongued yet warm-hearted Professor Minerva McGonagall, a role that became synonymous with her. Smith appeared throughout all eight films, and later won hearts as Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey, further cementing her status as one of Britain’s most iconic performers.
2. Michael Gambon
Michael Gambon, best known to Harry Potter fans as the quirky headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, passed away peacefully in September 2023 at the age of 82 after battling pneumonia. Prior to his demise, the actor was known to be a highly respected star with a long list of memorable performances.
Michael Gambon as Dumbledore | image credits: Warner bros.
However, Gambon became a household name when he took over the role of Dumbledore in Prisoner of Azkaban (2004). He stepped into the part following Richard Harris’ death, and went on to define Dumbledore for an entire generation of fans.
3. Richard Harris
Appearing as the first actor to bring Albus Dumbledore, the wise Headmaster of Hogwarts, to life on screen, Richard Harris passed away in 2002 at the age of 72 after a battle with Hodgkin’s disease at University College London Hospital.
Richard Harris as Dumbledore | image credits: Warner Bros.
He appeared in the franchise’s opening films, Sorcerer’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets. Overall, Harris’ gentle and commanding portrayal left a lasting impression, and following his death, the role of Dumbledore was taken over by Michael Gambon for the remaining films.
4. Alan Rickman
Alan Rickman, the actor behind the unforgettable role of Severus Snape, passed away on January 14, 2016, at the age of 69. He died after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, leaving behind a legacy adored and respected by fans. In fact, his loss deeply affected fans around the world, especially those who had already watched Snape’s heartbreaking death on screen.
Alan Rickman as Severus Snape | image credits: Warner Bros.
With time, viewers came to understand that Snape was one of the true heroes of the Harry Potter story, making Rickman’s performance even more powerful and emotionally enduring.
5. Leslie Phillips
The distinguished actor who lent his voice to the Sorting Hat in the Harry Potter films, Leslie Phillips, passed away in November 2022 at the age of 98. According to his agent, who confirmed the news to the BBC, Phillips died peacefully in his sleep.
Leslie Phillips voicing the role of the Sorting Hat | image credits: Warner Bros.
Known for his long and celebrated career in British film and television, his warm and iconic voice became an unforgettable part of the Hogwarts experience, guiding generations of students and fans into their destined houses.
6. Robbie Coltrane
Forever cherished for portraying the gentle half-giant Rubeus Hagrid across all eight Harry Potter films, Robbie Coltrane passed away in October 2022 at the age of 72. It was his iconic performance that made Hagrid one of the most beloved characters in the franchise.
Not to mention, earlier in 2022, prior to his death, Coltrane appeared in Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts on HBO Max, where he movingly looked back on his journey as Hagrid. His heartfelt words and lasting presence left fans with something to remember him by.
7. Richard Griffiths
British actor Richard Griffiths, best known to Potterheads as the harsh and overbearing uncle of Harry, Vernon Dursley, passed away in 2013 at the age of 65. He died due to complications following heart surgery at University Hospital in Coventry, England.
Richard Griffiths as Vernon Dursley | image credits: Warner Bros.
Turns out, even though his character was deeply disliked by fans, Griffiths’ performance was widely praised for bringing Vernon’s cruelty and comic edge to life. Which is why, even in death, he remained one of the most respected figures on stage and screen, among fans.
8. Helen McCrory
Helen McCrory, who played Narcissa Malfoy, the fiercely protective mother of Draco Malfoy and wife of Lucius, passed away from cancer at her London home in April 2021, at the age of 52. The heartbreaking news was shared by her husband, actor Damian Lewis, on Twitter.
Helen McCrory as Narcissa | image credit: Warner Bros.
Meanwhile, beyond Harry Potter, McCrory earned widespread acclaim for her powerful performance as Polly Gray in Netflix’s Peaky Blinders, where she became one of the show’s most commanding and beloved characters.
9. Verne Troyer
Verne Troyer is the legendary actor who physically portrayed the goblin Griphook in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Unfortunately, Troyer passed away on April 21, 2018, at the age of 49. Six months later, his death was ruled a suicide.
Griphook in the Harry Potter films | image credits: Warner Bros.
According to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner, the cause of Troyer’s demise was said to be complications related to alcohol intoxication (via People).
10. Robert Hardy
Veteran British actor Robert Hardy, who was widely respected for his long and distinguished career in film, television, and theatre, passed away in 2017 at the age of 91. Among Potterheads, Hardy is remembered for portraying Cornelius Fudge, the often-blundering Minister of Magic.
Robert Hardy as Cornelius Fudge | image credits: Warner Bros.
Even though he appeared in four films in the franchise, including Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, and Order of the Phoenix, his performance perfectly captured Fudge’s denial and political cowardice, making the character both frustrating and memorable within the wizarding world.
11. John Hurt
Academy Award–nominated actor John Hurt brought quiet gravitas to the role of Garrick Ollivander, the mysterious wandmaker, in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. He later reprised the part in Goblet of Fire and Deathly Hallows, while scenes featuring his character were ultimately cut from the third film.
John Hurt as Garrick Ollivander | image credits: Warner Bros.
Hurt passed away in 2017 at the age of 77. Following his death, J.K. Rowling paid tribute to the actor on X, honoring his remarkable talent and the lasting impression he left on the wizarding world.
12. Robert Knox
Robert Knox tragically died in 2008 at just 18 years old, shortly before Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was released. The young actor was fatally stabbed outside a London bar while trying to protect his younger brother during a violent altercation involving multiple victims (via The Guardian).
Robert Knox as Marcus Belby | image credits: Warner Bros.
Knox was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. He appeared briefly as Marcus Belby in Half-Blood Prince and was expected to return for the remaining films. However, his demise made it impossible, thus making his loss especially heartbreaking for fans.
13. Dave Legeno
Dave Legeno, who portrayed the terrifying werewolf Fenrir Greyback in the Harry Potter films, died in November 2014 at the age of 50. Authorities later confirmed that his death was caused by heatstroke while he was hiking in California’s Death Valley (via BBC).
His lifeless body was discovered by hikers in a remote area of the desert, according to the Inyo County Sheriff’s Department. Legeno’s manager, Rick Bassman, confirmed the tragic news, and officials stated that there was no evidence of foul play surrounding his death.
14. Peter Cartwright
Seasoned British actor Peter Cartwright, who portrayed Elphias Doge, a loyal member of the Order of the Phoenix and close friend of Dumbledore, in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, passed away in London in 2013 at the age of 78.
Peter Cartwright as Elphias Doge | image credits: Warner Bros.
Following his death, David Ryall took over the role for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, but also passed away a year later at 79 on Christmas Day in 2014.
15. Hazel Douglas
Hazel Douglas, who took on the role of Bathilda Bagshot in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, in her 80s, passed away in 2016 at the age of 92, leaving behind a lasting legacy in film and theatre. Since the cause of her demise isn’t revealed by the authorities, it is believed that Douglas died a natural death.
Hazel Douglas as Bathilda Bagshot | image credits: Warner Bros.
Meanwhile, her onscreen character, Bathilda Bagshot, the famed author of A History of Magic, a key textbook at Hogwarts, became one of Douglas’ most notable screen roles late in her career. Naturally, the beloved actress continued to be remembered for her memorable performance and contribution to the Wizarding World.
16. Elizabeth Spriggs
Bringing the iconic Fat Lady to life in the Harry Potter films, who was known to guard the entrance to Gryffindor Tower and ask students to provide the correct password, Elizabeth Spriggs, passed away in 2008 at the age of 78. While the cause of her death remains unknown, she left behind a legacy of memorable performances.
Elizabeth Spriggs as The Fat Lady | image credits: Warnet Bros.
As a seasoned actress with a distinguished career at the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre, Spriggs captivated audiences with her talent and presence on stage and screen. And later, she became popular among modern audiences for her unforgettable role as the gatekeeper of Gryffindor Tower.
17. Terence Bayler
Terence Bayler, the acclaimed New Zealand actor who portrayed the Bloody Baron, the Slytherin house ghost in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, passed away in 2016 at the age of 86. Now, even though his appearance in the film was brief, Bayler’s presence added depth and mystery to the castle’s haunted halls.
Terence Bayler as the Bloody Baron | image credits: Warner Bros.
Meanwhile, apart from the Harry Potter series, Bayler was also known for his extensive career across film, theatre, and television, where he left behind a lasting legacy. But overall, his chilling take on the Bloody Baron remains a memorable part of the Wizarding World.
18. Timothy Bateson
British actor Timothy Bateson, who provided the voice for Kreacher, the house-elf, in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, passed away in 2009 at the age of 83. Bateson’s distinctive voice helped shape Kreacher’s bitter and complex personality, making the character instantly memorable.
Timothy Bateson as Kreacher | image credits: Warner Bros.
After his death, the role was recast, with Simon McBurney voicing Kreacher in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1. Yet, his contribution played a key role in bringing one of the series’ most layered house-elves to life.
Which actor do you miss the most from this list of late legendary Harry Potter stars? Let us know in the comments.
Harry Potter films are streaming on HBO Max.
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