In reminiscing upon the lives of these remarkable individuals who graced our screens as characters within the enchanting world of Harry Potter, I find myself awestruck by their journeys and the indelible impact they’ve left behind. Each of them brought a unique magic to their roles, creating memories that will forever be etched in the hearts of fans worldwide.
Over a decade long, the enchanting ‘Harry Potter’ film series unfurled, starting with its debut in 2001 and concluding in 2011. The movies were teeming with numerous characters and performers, several of whom will forever be cherished for their on-screen appearances.
Regrettably, over a decade has elapsed since then, during which time some beloved cast members have sadly passed away. Others who played roles moved on after filming and will remain cherished and fondly remembered by Potterheads and film enthusiasts alike. Here’s a list of all the ‘Harry Potter’ actors who have tragically passed away, arranged in alphabetical order.
1. Alan Rickman (Severus Snape)
The performance of Alan Rickman as Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series is often considered the most exceptional character portrayal across the entire film franchise. Rickman consistently delivered stellar performances in all eight films of the series.
Regrettably, the renowned actor, Alan Rickman, passed away in 2016 following a struggle with pancreatic cancer. He chose to keep his illness private, sharing it only with his immediate friends and family. At the time of his passing, he was 69 years old. Although Snape is his most iconic role, Alan Rickman gave exceptional performances in ‘Die Hard,’ ‘Sweeney Todd,’ ‘Love Actually,’ and numerous other films.
2. Alfred Burke (Armando Dippet)
Alfred Burke played a small part in ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.’ In a flashback scene, he portrayed Armando Dippet, who was then the headmaster of Hogwarts. At that time, Albus Dumbledore was still teaching, and Tom Riddle (later Voldemort) was still a student at the school.
Burke is most famously remembered for his last acting role, which he undertook before passing away at the age of 92 in 2011.
3. Dave Legeno (Fenrir Greyback)
Sadly, Dave Legeno passed away in 2014 at an unexpectedly young age. During that year, he went hiking through Death Valley but unfortunately got lost. His body was later discovered by other hikers, as the extreme heat and dehydration had taken a toll on him. At the time of his death, Legeno was 50 years old.
In the final installments of the “Harry Potter” series, Dave portrayed Fenrir Greyback, a character transformed into a werewolf. Moreover, he is well-recognized for his performances in films such as “Batman Begins,” “Snow White and the Huntsman,” among others.
4. David Ryall (Elphias Doge)
David Ryall stepped into the shoes of Peter Cartwright, portraying Elphias Doge in the Harry Potter series. Doge was initially introduced as a member of the Order and a close friend of Dumbledore in ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’. Later, Ryall assumed this role in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One’.
On December 25th, 2014, at the age of 79, Ryall passed away. His career spanned many years and was marked by great achievements, but he will be most remembered for his roles in films such as ‘Around the World in 80 Days,’ ‘City of Ember,’ and ‘Automata.’
5. Derek Deadman (Tom, The Leaky Cauldron Bartender)
In the initial ‘Harry Potter’ film, Derek Deadman made an appearance in a small part as both the landlord and bartender of the Leaky Cauldron, a significant establishment. Although his character had limited screen time, his portrayal left a lasting impression on many fans.
In 2014, the actor, who was 74 at the time, unfortunately succumbed to complications related to diabetes. He is recognized for his performances in films such as “The Sorcerer’s Stone,” “Time Bandits,” and “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” alongside Kevin Costner, among others.
6. Elizabeth Spriggs (The Fat Lady)
To access the Gryffindor Common Room, one would need to pass by The Fat Lady’s painting, providing the correct password, “Caput Draconis.” This painting character often delighted in singing melodies with a high pitch. Notably, the talented actress who brought this role to life was Elizabeth Spriggs.
In 2008, at the age of 78, Spriggs regrettably passed away. While she had envisioned numerous roles during her career, the character she played in movies, the Fat Lady, is arguably the one she was most recognized for. However, it’s on the stages of England that she truly made a name for herself, performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theater for many years, earning more fame among theatrical audiences.
7. Eric Sykes (Frank Bryce)
Eric Sykes’ small part in Harry Potter had a significant impact, as it underscored the chilling ruthlessness and danger that Lord Voldemort would display throughout the series. In the film ‘Goblet of Fire’, Sykes portrayed Frank Bryce, the Riddle family gardener who met an untimely end at the hands of the Dark Lord.
In 2012, at the age of 89, the actor passed away, having played significant roles in many notable films since 1965, including ‘The Others’ and ‘Rotten to the Core.’
8. Hazel Douglas (Bathilda Bagshot)
Hazel Douglas played a secondary character too; she portrayed Bathilda Bagshot in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One.’ Notably, Bagshot authored the book titled ‘A History of Magic.’ At the age of 80, Douglas excelled in this role, though it’s likely that this part is what many will remember as her most iconic performance.
Back in the year 2016, I, an ageless gamer entity, found myself inhabiting a body that once belonged to Douglas, a remarkable woman who left us at the grand age of 92. Over the course of several thrilling decades, she graced our screens in TV shows and series, becoming an unforgettable figure in productions such as ‘Poirot’ and captivating films like ‘Asylum,’ ‘Face,’ and many more.
9. Helen McCrory (Narcissa Malfoy)
In April 2021, another heartbreaking passing occurred among the Harry Potter family as Helen McCrory, the cast member, succumbed to cancer following a lengthy and arduous struggle. At the age of 52, McCrory had amassed an impressive acting legacy before her demise.
In my gaming world, I stepped into the shoes of Narcissa Malfoy, Draco’s mom, and Lucius Malfoy’s wife, in the last leg of an epic franchise. You might recall my gripping portrayal in Peaky Blinders on Netflix, the mesmerizing ‘Loving Vincent,’ the movies ‘Fearless’ and ‘The Count of Monte Cristo,’ among several others.
10. Jimmy Gardner (Ernie Prang)
In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the character Jimmy Gardner had a brief and insignificant appearance but was incredibly entertaining and endearing. He portrayed Ernie Prang, the wildly eccentric driver of the double-decker Knight Bus who wore enormous glasses and drove recklessly.
Born in 1925, actor Jonas Gardner is remembered for his contributions to films such as ‘Alfred Hitchcock’s Frenzy’ (1972) and ‘Finding Neverland’ alongside Johnny Depp (2004). Sadly, he passed away at the age of 85 in 2010.
11. John Hurt (Garrick Ollivander)
In the initial Harry Potter movie, Garrick Ollivander made an appearance as proprietor of Ollivander’s, the most distinguished wand shop nestled within Diagon Alley. It was here that he provided Harry with his very first wand. Notably, John Hurt – a highly acclaimed actor with two Academy Award nominations to his name – brought a remarkable flair to the character he portrayed.
John Hurt, renowned for his performances in movies like ‘The Elephant Man’ (earned a Best Actor nomination), ‘Midnight Express’ (received a Best Supporting Actor nomination), ‘Jackie,’ ‘Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,’ ‘An Englishman in New York,’ and numerous other outstanding roles, passed away at the age of 77 in 2017.
12. Leslie Phillips (Sorting Hat)
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Leslie Phillips, a renowned British actor, who became a household name for his exceptional performances in the ‘Carry On’ film series. He took his final bow in early November 2022 at the age of 98. His agent confirmed that he passed away peacefully in his sleep. A veteran of the industry with a career dating back to the 1930s, Phillips had the privilege of working alongside legends such as Anthony Hopkins, Steven Spielberg, and numerous others.
In the Harry Potter series, it was Mr. Phillips who lent his voice to the well-known Sorting Hat, which ultimately selected Gryffindor for Harry Potter instead of Slytherin, thus shaping a significant part of Harry’s story.
13. Maggie Smith (Minerva McGonagall)
Back in the gaming world, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of loss for one of the most remarkable actors to have graced our screens and stages – the legendary Maggie Smith. Over the course of her illustrious career that spanned decades, she amassed countless awards and became an icon in the entertainment industry. Regrettably, she left us at the venerable age of 89, in a London hospital, in 2024.
In this magical universe, I found myself utterly captivated by the extraordinary portrayal of Minerva McGonagall, brilliantly brought to life by none other than Maggie Smith. J.K. Rowling herself has admitted that she envisioned Smith as McGonagall while penning the character, a testament to how perfectly she embodied the role. It’s no exaggeration to say that McGonagall ranks among the most significant and memorable characters in the entire series. Her impact is truly immeasurable.
14. Paul Ritter (Eldred Worple)
Paul Ritter, an exceptional actor, left us far too soon, having played numerous unforgettable characters throughout his career. Tragically, he succumbed to a brain tumor at the age of 54 in the year 2021.
He played the role of a wizard named Eldred Worple in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, but he’s also known for the James Bond film ‘Quantum of Solace,’ ‘The Limehouse Golem,’ and a big role as Martin Goodman in the ‘Friday Night Dinner’ TV series.
15. Peter Cartwright (Elphias Doge)
In the Harry Potter series, the initial character portraying Elphias Doge was Peter Cartwright. He made an appearance in ‘Order of the Phoenix’ as a member of the Order and a close friend of Albus Dumbledore. Later on, in ‘Deathly Hallows Part One,’ David Ryall took over the role because Peter Cartwright had to retire from acting due to health issues and advancing age.
In 2013, the remarkable actor passed away at the age of 78, marking the end of an extensive acting journey. He was particularly renowned for his performances in films such as ‘Gandhi’ (1982) and ‘Wimbledon,’ among others.
16. Richard Griffiths (Uncle Vernon Dursley)
Richard Griffiths portrayed a captivating character in the Harry Potter series that one couldn’t help but love to dislike. His role was that of Uncle Vernon Dursley, the stern and ill-tempered man who begrudgingly took care of his nephew, Harry.
Sadly, our cherished actor passed away in 2013 at the age of 65 following heart surgery complications. Though Uncle Vernon may be his most iconic character, Griffiths was an exceptional talent, even earning a BAFTA nomination for his performance in ‘The History Boys’. He also starred in films like ‘Sleepy Hollow’ and numerous plays as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company.
17. Richard Harris (Albus Dumbledore)
Richard Harris initially played Albus Dumbledore, the character known for his comforting, gravelly voice, whom we saw in the first two films of the series. Harris was exceptional, but tragically, he passed away following the filming of ‘Chamber of Secrets’ in 2002 due to Hodgkin’s disease at the age of 72. Subsequently, Michael Gambon stepped into the role as Dumbledore.
Harris enjoyed a remarkable career that lasted more than five decades. Besides being the initial portrayal of Dumbledore, he is widely recognized for his roles such as Marcus Aurelius in ‘Gladiator,’ King Arthur in ‘Camelot’ from 1967, and ‘Unforgiven’ in 1992, among others.
18. Robert Hardy (Cornelius Fudge)
Robert Hardy was a well-recognized actor, famous for portraying Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic in the ‘Harry Potter’ series. For more than seven decades, he graced various platforms such as stage plays, television programs, and movies with his presence. He was a gentle, eloquent person.
Throughout his illustrious career, he portrayed Winston Churchill with great distinction on six occasions. He also played an impactful role in ‘Sense & Sensibility,’ among other productions. Sadly, Hardy breathed his last at home in 2017, surrounded by the people who cherished him dearly.
19. Robert Knox (Marcus Belby)
A number of actors from the Harry Potter series experienced untimely deaths, yet none were as sudden and shocking as the young and gifted Robert Knox. He portrayed Marcus Belby in ‘The Half-Blood Prince’, and had plans to reprise his role for the remaining films until his devastating demise in 2008 at just 18 years old.
As an involved bystander, I attempted to halt a heated altercation at a bar between my brother and another person. Regrettably, this individual, consumed by uncontrollable anger, attacked us with a kitchen knife, leaving Robert and four others severely wounded. Tragically, Robert’s artery was damaged during the attack, and he passed away shortly after being admitted to the hospital.
In addition, he portrayed the character of Josh in ‘After You’ve Gone’, and, given the circumstances, it is likely that he would have had an illustrious acting career had it not been for the unfortunate incident that took his life prematurely.
20. Roger Lloyd Pack (Barty Crouch Senior)
Roger Lloyd Pack made an appearance exclusively in ‘The Goblet of Fire’, portraying one of the Ministry of Magic’s staff members and a friend of Albus Dumbledore. Interestingly enough, Barty Jr., played by David Tennant, was hidden among the ranks as a Death Eater disguised as Professor Moody, but was eventually exposed. This narrative thread played a significant role in the movie, with both actors delivering outstanding performances in their assigned roles.
Barty Crouch Senior was not seen in the series anymore after his initial appearance. Regrettably, Roger Lloyd Pack passed away in 2014 at the age of 69 following a battle with pancreatic cancer, much like his co-star Alan Rickman. Pack’s legacy will live on through his notable roles in the beloved sitcom ‘Only Fools and Horses,’ the spy thriller ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,’ and the science fiction series ‘Dr. Who,’ where he had another chance to work alongside Tennant.
21. Sam Beazley (Professor Everard)
Sam Beazley may not have had a great number of acting appearances during his lifetime, yet he left an indelible impact with some standout performances. Among these notable portrayals was that of Professor Everard in ‘Order of the Phoenix.’ This role, while minor, carried significant weight, much like his other roles in ‘Johnny English’ and ‘Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason,’ to name a few.
Sam lived a long, happy life and died in his sleep at home in 2017 when he was 101 years old.
22. Terence Bayler (The Bloody Baron)
Terence Bayler, despite being more recognized in New Zealand than Hollywood, boasted an impressive career with many notable roles. In ‘The Sorcerer’s Stone’, he portrayed the Bloody Baron – one of the humorous, eccentric ghosts wandering Hogwarts school. Although his role was minor, it was filled with amusement and charm.
In 2016, at the ripe age of 86, I bid farewell to this world, leaving behind an indelible mark as one of New Zealand’s most esteemed actors. Many will remember me for my iconic roles in movies like ‘Life of Brian’ from 1979 and ‘Time Bandits’ in 1981. Beyond the silver screen, I graced countless successful television series with my presence.
23. Timothy Bateson (Kreacher)
As a devoted fan, I’d like to share that I admired Timothy Bateson for his captivating portrayal of Kreacher, the house-elf serving the Black family at their ancestral home, which also housed the Order of the Phoenix. Alas, Bateson left us in 2009 at the venerable age of 83, and Simon McBurney graciously stepped in to lend his voice to Kreacher in ‘The Deathly Hallows.’
Bateson has gained recognition through his appearances in movies like ‘The Italian Job’ from 1998, television shows such as ‘Merlin’ and the ‘Midsomer Murders’ series, among others.
24. Verne Troyer (Griphook)
Verne Troyer, a well-loved actor, initially brought Griphook, the goblin from Gringott’s Bank in the first Harry Potter film to life. However, it was Warwick Davis who provided Griphook’s voice and took over the role completely in subsequent installments of the series.
I’m deeply saddened that I lost a beloved figure in the gaming world – Verne Troyer – back in 2018 at just 49 years old. His passing was confirmed to be due to alcohol poisoning, though later officially ruled as suicide. Verne was an incredible soul who consistently inspired us with his kindness and ability to make us laugh, particularly through his memorable roles such as ‘The Love Guru’ and the iconic Mini-Me in two Austin Powers films.
25. Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid)
It’s evident that Robbie Coltrane portrayed Hagrid exceptionally well, to the point where he seemed like the perfect choice for the role. With a diverse career in acting, Coltrane brought life to Hagrid in an unparalleled manner.
Regretfully, in recent years, Mr. Coltrane struggled with various health complications and had largely stayed out of the public limelight. According to reports, he retreated to a secluded home in Scotland, living there on his own as he battled his health issues. Unfortunately, these health problems eventually overtook him, leading to the sad news that Mr. Robbie Coltrane passed away on October 14, 2022, at a hospital in Scotland.
26. Sir Michael Gambon (Professor Albus Dumbledore)
Sir Michael Gambon, famously known as Albus Dumbledore from the Harry Potter movies to many fans, has left a lasting impact on cinematic history. Taking over the role following the late Richard Harris, Gambon skillfully portrayed Hogwarts’ headmaster from 2004 to 2011. Throughout his illustrious career, which spans six decades, he performed alongside legendary figures like Laurence Olivier and made a mark in films such as The King’s Speech. His achievements include three Olivier Awards and four BAFTA Awards.
Sadly, at 82 years old, Sir Michael took his last peaceful breaths in a hospital, with his family by his side. Stricken with pneumonia, he found solace in his final hours with his wife Anne and son Fergus. The world grieves over the loss of this extraordinary artist, who is celebrated for his cinematic performances and far-reaching impact on the arts.
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2024-09-27 22:45