Every Notable ‘Harry Potter’ Actor Who Died

The ‘Harry Potter‘ movies featured a large cast, and sadly, several of those actors have passed away. This guide highlights notable cast members who are no longer with us, detailing the characters they played in the eight films and offering some background on their involvement with the wizarding world. It focuses on their roles, when they appeared in the films, and interesting facts about their work on the franchise.

Richard Harris

Richard Harris was the first actor to play Albus Dumbledore in the first two ‘Harry Potter’ films, ‘Sorcerer’s Stone’ and ‘Chamber of Secrets,’ and established how the character was initially portrayed. A celebrated actor with two Oscar nominations and a lengthy career in theatre and film, Harris passed away in 2002.

Michael Gambon

Michael Gambon played Albus Dumbledore in the ‘Harry Potter’ films from ‘Prisoner of Azkaban’ to ‘Deathly Hallows – Part 2’, appearing in six movies total. He brought his own unique style to the role. A celebrated actor, he was knighted for his contributions to the theater and appeared in numerous successful productions. He passed away in 2023.

Robbie Coltrane

Robbie Coltrane, best known for playing the beloved character Rubeus Hagrid in all eight ‘Harry Potter’ films, passed away in 2022. He was a crucial and popular figure throughout the series, appearing in many important scenes. Beyond ‘Harry Potter,’ Coltrane was also recognized for his roles in the TV show ‘Cracker’ and several James Bond movies.

Alan Rickman

Alan Rickman famously played Severus Snape in all eight Harry Potter films, starting with ‘The Sorcerer’s Stone’. His performance was central to many of the series’ biggest plot twists and secrets. Before becoming widely known for his film work, including his breakout role in ‘Die Hard’, Rickman began his career as a stage actor. He passed away in 2016.

Helen McCrory

Helen McCrory was well-known for playing Narcissa Malfoy in the last four ‘Harry Potter’ films: ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ and both ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ movies. She also lent her voice to a character in the ‘Harry Potter’ video game. A celebrated actress, McCrory had a long and successful career in theatre, television, and film before her death in 2021.

John Hurt

John Hurt played the role of Garrick Ollivander, the wandmaker, in the first and final ‘Harry Potter’ films. His character was key to understanding the magic behind wands. A celebrated actor with a career lasting many years, Hurt received numerous award nominations and passed away in 2017.

Robert Hardy

I always enjoyed Robert Hardy’s portrayal of Cornelius Fudge, the Minister for Magic, throughout the ‘Harry Potter’ films – specifically from ‘Chamber of Secrets’ all the way through ‘Order of the Phoenix’. He really brought a certain weight to those scenes within the Ministry. Of course, many of us knew him from his extensive work in historical dramas and his impressive stage career. It was sad to hear of his passing back in 2017; he was a truly versatile actor.

Richard Griffiths

Richard Griffiths played Vernon Dursley in the first ‘Harry Potter’ film, ‘The Sorcerer’s Stone,’ and continued the role in several of the following movies. He was a key part of establishing the ordinary, Muggle world at the beginning of the series. A celebrated actor, Griffiths won a Tony Award for his work in ‘The History Boys.’ He passed away in 2013.

David Legeno

David Legeno, known for playing the werewolf Fenrir Greyback in the ‘Harry Potter’ films ‘Half-Blood Prince’ and ‘Deathly Hallows’, was also a skilled performer in action sequences, often portraying a Death Eater. A trained mixed martial artist, Legeno sadly passed away in 2014.

Roger Lloyd Pack

Roger Lloyd-Pack, a well-known British television actor, played Barty Crouch Sr. in ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’. In the film, his character was in charge of the Triwizard Tournament from the Ministry of Magic. He passed away in 2014.

Elizabeth Spriggs

Elizabeth Spriggs, a veteran actress with the Royal Shakespeare Company, famously portrayed the Fat Lady in the first ‘Harry Potter’ film, ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.’ She also played a key role in creating the memorable password sequence for entering the Gryffindor common room. Spriggs passed away in 2008.

Leslie Phillips

Leslie Phillips, a veteran actor with a career spanning decades, was the voice of the Sorting Hat in the ‘Harry Potter’ films, starting with ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’. His unique way of speaking became a beloved part of the on-screen sorting ceremony at Hogwarts. He passed away in 2022.

Verne Troyer

Verne Troyer physically played the character Griphook in the first ‘Harry Potter’ movie, ‘The Sorcerer’s Stone,’ while Warwick Davis provided the voice. You can see his work in the early scenes at Gringotts Wizarding Bank. Troyer was also known for his roles in other popular franchises, and sadly passed away in 2018.

Timothy Bateson

Timothy Bateson was the original voice of Kreacher the house elf in ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’. The character reappeared in later ‘Harry Potter’ films, but with a different actor providing the voice. Bateson also had a successful career in stage and television, and he passed away in 2009.

Jimmy Gardner

I’ll never forget Jimmy Gardner as Ernie Prang, the driver of the Knight Bus in ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’! He really brought that magical mode of transport to life for me and everyone else watching. It’s amazing to learn he had served in the Royal Air Force before becoming an actor. It was so sad to hear of his passing back in 2010 – he’ll always be a part of the Harry Potter magic for me.

Derek Deadman

Derek Deadman was the first actor to play Tom, the innkeeper at the Leaky Cauldron, in the first ‘Harry Potter’ movie, ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.’ The role was later played by a different actor with a new take on the character. Deadman also appeared in many British TV shows and films throughout his career, and he passed away in 2014.

David Ryall

I always enjoyed David Ryall’s portrayal of Elphias Doge in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1’ – he really brought a sense of history to Albus Dumbledore’s story. It’s sad to remember he passed away in 2014, but his work spanned so many years in film, TV, and on stage – a truly versatile and memorable actor.

Hazel Douglas

Hazel Douglas, who played Bathilda Bagshot in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1’, appeared in an important scene set in Godric’s Hollow that revealed details about the wizarding world’s past. A veteran of stage and screen, Douglas passed away in 2016.

Sam Beazley

Sam Beazley played Professor Everard, a former headmaster of Hogwarts, in ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’. He appeared in scenes set at the Ministry of Magic. Beazley started acting when he was young and returned to it after a break, passing away in 2017.

Alfred Burke

Alfred Burke, who played Headmaster Armando Dippet in ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,’ had a connection to the history of Hogwarts, appearing before the time of Dumbledore. He was a well-known actor, famous for his role in the TV series ‘Public Eye’ and a long career on stage. Burke passed away in 2011.

Paul Ritter

Paul Ritter, known for his work in television, film, and theatre, portrayed Eldred Worple in ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.’ His character was seen at a party hosted by Professor Slughorn. Ritter sadly passed away in 2021.

Terence Bayler

Terence Bayler played the part of the Bloody Baron in the first ‘Harry Potter’ movie, ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’. As the Bloody Baron, he was one of the ghosts of Hogwarts. Throughout his career, Bayler also collaborated with many well-known directors in both theater and film. He passed away in 2016.

Robert Knox

Robert Knox, who played Marcus Belby in ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,’ tragically died shortly after filming completed. The film was dedicated to his memory, and he had future acting roles planned. He passed away in 2008.

Rik Mayall

Rik Mayall, a celebrated British comedian known for his work on TV and stage, filmed scenes as the mischievous poltergeist Peeves for the first ‘Harry Potter’ movie, ‘The Sorcerer’s Stone.’ However, these scenes were ultimately cut from the final film, and his involvement only became public through stories shared by those who worked on the production. Mayall sadly passed away in 2014.

2025-10-21 20:19