Since Harry Potter first enchanted readers more than 25 years ago, fans have formed deep bonds with both the characters and the actors who brought them to life. Eight films later, the franchise’s family has faced heartbreaking losses as cast members have passed away, leaving behind legacies that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
At a Glance
- 25 actors from the Harry Potter films have died since production began
- Alan Rickman, who died January 14, 2016, marked his 10-year anniversary this week
- The losses span from 2002 to March 9, 2025
- Why it matters: These performers shaped childhoods and created characters that will outlive them by generations
The Most Recent Losses
Simon Fisher-Becker died March 9, 2025 at 63. The actor who played the Fat Friar ghost in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) was remembered by his husband Tony on Facebook: “At 2:50 this afternoon Simon passed away.”
Maggie Smith passed away September 27, 2024 at 89. The Oscar winner portrayed Professor Minerva McGonagall throughout the entire film series. Her family stated she died “with friends and family at the end,” leaving “two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
Michael Gambon died in September 2023 at 82 after hospitalization for pneumonia. He took over the role of Albus Dumbledore starting with Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) after Richard Harris‘ death. His family confirmed he died “peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside.”
The Original Dumbledore and Other Key Losses
Richard Harris originated Albus Dumbledore in the first two films before dying at 72 in October 2002 from Hodgkin’s Disease at University College of London Hospital.
Alan Rickman died January 14, 2016 at 69 from pancreatic cancer. His family confirmed to the BBC that “he was surrounded by family and friends.” Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, wrote on Facebook: “I feel so lucky to have worked and spent time with such a special man and actor.”
Robbie Coltrane, beloved as Rubeus Hagrid across all eight films, died in October 2022 at 72. In the HBO Max reunion special earlier that year, he reflected: “The legacy of the movies is that my children’s generation will show them to their children, so you could be watching it in 50 years’ time, easy. I’ll not be here sadly, but Hagrid will.”
Character Actors and Supporting Cast
Verne Troyer portrayed Griphook in the first film before dying at 49 in April 2018. His death was later ruled suicide from “sequelae of alcohol intoxication” according to the Los Angeles County Department Medical Examiner-Coroner’s office.
Helen McCrory played Narcissa Malfoy and died of cancer at 52 in April 2021 at her London home. Her husband Damian Lewis announced on Twitter: “After an heroic battle with cancer, the beautiful and mighty woman that is Helen McCrory has died peacefully at home.”
Paul Grant, who played a Gringotts goblin in the first film, died in March 2023 at 56. The 4-foot, 4-inch actor lived with Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, a rare genetic disorder.
Tragic and Untimely Deaths
Robert Knox was 18 when he was stabbed to death outside a London bar in 2008 before Half-Blood Prince released. He played Marcus Belby and was scheduled to appear in the remaining films. His father Colin said: “Rob always put everyone before himself, was always the first person to stand up against wrong.”
Dave Legeno, who played werewolf Fenrir Greyback, died from heatstroke in California’s Death Valley in November 2014 at 50. Hikers found his body in a remote area with no sign of foul play.
Voices and Behind-the-Scenes Talent
Leslie Phillips voiced the Sorting Hat and died at 98 in November 2022 in his sleep. His wife Zara Carr told The Sun: “He was quite simply a national treasure. People loved him.”
Timothy Bateson voiced Kreacher the house elf in Order of the Phoenix before dying at 83 in 2009. Simon McBurney replaced him in later films.
The Complete List of Departed Cast Members
| Actor | Character | Age at Death | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simon Fisher-Becker | Fat Friar | 63 | 2025 |
| Maggie Smith | McGonagall | 89 | 2024 |
| Michael Gambon | Dumbledore | 82 | 2023 |
| Paul Grant | Gringotts Goblin | 56 | 2023 |
| Robbie Coltrane | Hagrid | 72 | 2022 |
| Leslie Phillips | Sorting Hat Voice | 98 | 2022 |
| Helen McCrory | Narcissa Malfoy | 52 | 2021 |
| Paul Ritter | Eldred Worple | 54 | 2021 |
| Verne Troyer | Griphook | 49 | 2018 |
| Robert Hardy | Cornelius Fudge | 91 | 2017 |
| John Hurt | Ollivander | 77 | 2017 |
| Sam Beazley | Professor Everard | 101 | 2017 |
| Alan Rickman | Snape | 69 | 2016 |
| Terence Bayler | Bloody Baron | 86 | 2016 |
| Hazel Douglas | Bathilda Bagshot | 92 | 2016 |
| Dave Legeno | Fenrir Greyback | 50 | 2014 |
| David Ryall | Elphias Doge | 79 | 2014 |
| Derek Deadman | Tom (Leaky Cauldron) | N/A | 2014 |
| Richard Griffiths | Vernon Dursley | 65 | 2013 |
| Peter Cartwright | Elphias Doge | 78 | 2013 |
| Alfred Burke | Armando Dippet | 92 | 2011 |
| Jimmy Gardner | Ernie Prang | 85 | 2010 |
| Timothy Bateson | Kreacher Voice | 83 | 2009 |
| Elizabeth Spriggs | Fat Lady | 78 | 2008 |
| Robert Knox | Marcus Belby | 18 | 2008 |
| Richard Harris | Dumbledore | 72 | 2002 |
Legacy That Lives On
These actors created characters that introduced magic to millions. From Richard Harris‘ wise Dumbledore to Alan Rickman‘s complex Snape, from Maggie Smith‘s stern McGonagall to Robbie Coltrane‘s gentle Hagrid, their performances continue to captivate new generations discovering the wizarding world.
As Jonathan P. Miller reported for News Of Losangeles, the impact of these performers extends far beyond their screen time. They helped build a universe that taught lessons about love, courage, friendship, and the power of standing up for what’s right – lessons that remain as relevant today as when the first book was published over a quarter-century ago.
