‘Harry Potter’ Actors Who Died

The ‘Harry Potter’ films brought together hundreds of performers across a decade of production, and the series has continued to reach new audiences long after the final movie premiered. Along the way, several cast members have passed away, leaving behind work that spans far beyond the Wizarding World and touches film, television, and stage.

This list looks at actors who appeared in the films and have since died, along with the roles they played in the series and select credits that show the range of their work. Dates and details reflect public reports at the time of their passing, and the roles listed indicate where they appeared in the eight films.

Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore

Michael Gambon took over the role of Albus Dumbledore beginning with ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ and continued through ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2’. He died on September 28, 2023 at the age of 82, with his family stating he had pneumonia. His screen work included ‘The Singing Detective’ on television and the ensemble film ‘Gosford Park’, and he received multiple honors over a long stage career.

Gambon’s portrayal covered some of the most pivotal chapters in the story, including the cave sequence in ‘Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince’ and the King’s Cross meeting in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2’. Away from the series he appeared in films such as ‘The King’s Speech’ and ‘Paddington’, and he frequently returned to theater productions in London.

Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid

Robbie Coltrane played Rubeus Hagrid across the series, beginning in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ and returning for ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2’. He died on October 14, 2022 at the age of 72. Before and during the films he was known for the television drama ‘Cracker’ and for roles in the James Bond films ‘GoldenEye’ and ‘The World Is Not Enough’.

Coltrane’s background in both drama and comedy shaped his filmography, which also includes ‘Mona Lisa’ and ‘Van Helsing’. He continued to work in television and voice roles, and he appeared in anniversary programming connected to the series.

Alan Rickman as Severus Snape

Alan Rickman portrayed Severus Snape in all eight films, beginning with ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’. He died on January 14, 2016 at the age of 69 after a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. His screen credits include ‘Die Hard’, ‘Sense and Sensibility’, and ‘Love Actually’, and he directed the feature ‘A Little Chaos’.

Rickman’s theater career covered decades in London and New York, and he frequently alternated between stage and screen. In addition to the ‘Harry Potter’ series he appeared in films such as ‘Galaxy Quest’ and ‘Michael Collins’, and he recorded voice work for projects including ‘Alice in Wonderland’.

Richard Harris as Albus Dumbledore

Richard Harris originated the film role of Albus Dumbledore in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ and ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’. He died on October 25, 2002 at the age of 72 from Hodgkin’s disease. Harris had a long career that featured ‘Camelot’, ‘This Sporting Life’, and ‘Gladiator’.

Harris worked widely in film and music and was associated with major stage productions on both sides of the Atlantic. His final screen appearances included the first two ‘Harry Potter’ films and projects released posthumously that had been completed before his illness.

Helen McCrory as Narcissa Malfoy

Helen McCrory played Narcissa Malfoy in ‘Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince’, ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1’, and ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2’. She died on April 16, 2021 at the age of 52 from cancer. McCrory was widely recognized for television work such as ‘Peaky Blinders’ and films including ‘The Queen’.

Her career included stage roles with major companies and a range of film and television projects. She appeared in ‘Skyfall’ and the series ‘Penny Dreadful’, and she continued acting across mediums while also supporting arts and charity organizations.

Richard Griffiths as Vernon Dursley

Richard Griffiths portrayed Vernon Dursley in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’, ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’, ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’, ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’, and ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1’. He died on March 28, 2013 at the age of 65 following complications after heart surgery. His work included ‘The History Boys’ on stage and screen and films such as ‘Withnail and I’.

Griffiths maintained a presence in television, film, and theater for decades. He received awards for ‘The History Boys’ and continued to appear in major productions, while also performing in projects like ‘Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides’.

John Hurt as Mr Ollivander

John Hurt appeared as wandmaker Mr Ollivander in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ and returned in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1’. He died on January 25, 2017 at the age of 77 after pancreatic cancer. His filmography includes ‘The Elephant Man’, ‘Alien’, and ‘1984’, as well as television such as ‘Doctor Who’.

Hurt’s voice and character roles made him a frequent choice for historical and science fiction projects. He continued working in film and television in the years leading up to his death, with credits that also include ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’ and ‘V for Vendetta’.

Robert Hardy as Cornelius Fudge

Robert Hardy portrayed Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge in ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’, ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’, ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’, and ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’. He died on August 3, 2017 at the age of 91. Hardy was widely known for the television series ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ and for film roles including ‘Sense and Sensibility’.

His career spanned classical stage roles and screen portrayals of historical figures. He also authored books on the English longbow and contributed to documentaries and programs focused on history and culture.

Roger Lloyd Pack as Barty Crouch Senior

Roger Lloyd Pack appeared as Barty Crouch Senior in ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’. He died on January 15, 2014 at the age of 69 from pancreatic cancer. His television work included ‘Only Fools and Horses’ and ‘The Vicar of Dibley’.

Lloyd Pack continued to appear on stage and screen throughout his career. In addition to ‘Harry Potter’ he appeared in films such as ‘Interview with the Vampire’ and in projects for British television across comedy and drama.

Leslie Phillips as the Sorting Hat

Leslie Phillips provided the voice of the Sorting Hat in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ and ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’. He died on November 7, 2022 at the age of 98. Phillips was associated with the ‘Carry On’ film series and maintained a long career in radio, television, and film.

His voice roles and on camera performances extended into later life, with appearances in productions such as ‘Venus’. He also continued to make guest appearances on television programs and radio shows linked to British entertainment history.

Dave Legeno as Fenrir Greyback

Dave Legeno portrayed Fenrir Greyback in ‘Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince’, ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1’, and ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2’. He died in July 2014 at the age of 50 while hiking in Death Valley, with authorities reporting heat related factors. Legeno’s other film credits include ‘Snatch’ and ‘Centurion’.

Legeno worked as an actor and mixed martial artist and often played physically demanding roles. His work in the series placed him in several action sequences, and he continued to appear in British and international productions.

Robert Knox as Marcus Belby

Robert Knox played Marcus Belby in ‘Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince’. He died on May 24, 2008 at the age of 18 after being stabbed in Sidcup in southeast London. Knox had completed filming his scenes before his death.

Following his death, screenings and community projects highlighted his work and supported anti knife crime efforts. His contribution to the series appears in classroom and Great Hall sequences that feature the Slug Club storyline.

Paul Ritter as Eldred Worple

Paul Ritter portrayed Eldred Worple in ‘Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince’. He died on April 5, 2021 at the age of 54 from a brain tumor. Ritter’s television and film credits include ‘Chernobyl’, ‘Friday Night Dinner’, and ‘Quantum of Solace’.

Ritter worked extensively on stage with major companies and in television across comedy and drama. His film roles and series appearances showed a range that included historical subjects and contemporary stories.

Eric Sykes as Frank Bryce

Eric Sykes played Frank Bryce in the opening of ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’. He died on July 4, 2012 at the age of 89. Sykes had a long career in British comedy with credits that include ‘The Plank’ and the television series ‘Sykes’.

Beyond performing, Sykes wrote and directed for film and television and collaborated with many figures in British comedy. His role in the series appears in the sequence that sets up the events in the Riddle house.

Elizabeth Spriggs as the Fat Lady

Elizabeth Spriggs appeared as the Fat Lady in ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’. She died on July 2, 2008 at the age of 78. Spriggs worked in film and television with credits that include ‘Sense and Sensibility’ and ‘Shine’.

Spriggs was also a stage actor with long standing ties to British theater companies. Her turn in the portrait scene introduced a location that would return in later films with a different performer in the part.

Share the names we missed and your memories of these performances in the comments.