'Harry Potter' Movie Fans Mourn the Talented Actors Who Have Died
Updated Sept. 28 2023, 7:07 p.m. ET
Over the past two decades, the Harry Potter series has become a global phenomenon and captured the imaginations of book readers and moviegoers alike. Despite author J.K.Rowling's controversial comments in recent years, the series still holds a special place in the hearts of many.
Sadly, several of the actors who helped bring the films to life have died since the conclusion of the series.
Here's everything we know about the actors who have died since 2001's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
(L-R): Tom Felton, Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Matthew Lewis at 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2' premiere
1. Richard Harris, who played Albus Dumbledore, died in 2002.
Richard Harris with Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, and Daniel Radcliffe.
The original Dumbledore, Richard Harris, sadly passed away from an aggressive form of Hodgkin's disease at age 72. Entertainment Weekly interviewed Chris Columbus, (director of the first two Harry Potter films), who said Richard expected to play Dumbledore in the third film before he died. "He did threaten to kill me if I recast [Dumbledore]," Chris said. "I cannot even repeat what he said."
2. Rob Knox, who briefly played Marcus Belby, died in 2008.
Rob Knox as Marcus Belby in 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.'
18-year-old Rob Knox died tragically young. Rob, who wrapped filming for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in 2008, was stabbed in London outside of a club.
He was reportedly trying to protect his 16-year-old brother, Jamie, from a group of men inside the bar. Director David Yates dedicated the film premiere to him and the cast wore white ribbons on their wrists to pay him tribute.
3. Elizabeth Spriggs, who played the Fat Lady in the painting, died in 2008.
Elizabeth Spriggs (lower left) in Noel Coward's 'Blithe Spirit'
Elizabeth Spriggs was such a delightful part of the franchise. As the guardian of the Gryffindor Tower, she decided who could come and go. In her real life, Elizabeth was an accomplished British actor whose career spanned decades.
From the stage to the screen she was part of magical performances like Shakespeare's Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet, and Julius Caesar. Her film and television career was equally as prolific. She passed away July 2, 2008.
4. Richard Griffiths, who played Vernon Dursley, died in 2013.
Richard Griffiths at the Tony Awards.
Richard passed in 2013 after suffering complications from heart surgery. Despite playing a widely despised character, he was well-loved by the cast. Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe had actually worked with Richard several times throughout his career and told Entertainment Weekly upon his passing, "I was proud to say I knew him."
5. Dave Legeno, who played Fenrir Greyback, died in 2014.
Dave Legeno as Fenrir Greyback in 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.'
Dave Legeno, who played werewolf Fenrir Greyback, died in 2014 at the age of 50. The Hollywood Reporter notes that his cause of death was "heat-related issues" after the actor went hiking in Death Valley and was discovered by other hikers days later. Death Valley temperatures can rise to a dangerous 120 degrees.
6. Roger Lloyd-Peck, who played Barty Crouch Sr, died in 2014.
Roger Lloyd-Peck as Barty Crouch, Sr. in 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.'
Celebrated British actor Roger Lloyd-Peck passed away at age 69 of pancreatic cancer. BBC News reported Sir David Jason, his co-star from Only Fools and Horses, spoke highly of him, saying, "[H]e was a very intelligent man and a very fine actor capable of many roles. I shall remember him with fondness and for all the good times we had together."
7. David Ryall, who played Elphias Doge, died in 2014.
David Ryall as Elphias Doge in 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.'
BBC News reported that David Ryall's death occurred on Christmas Day at age 79. The circumstances around his death were not given. Director Mark Gatiss, known for his work on Sherlock and Doctor Who, tweeted his condolences. "The great David Ryall left us on Christmas Day. A twinkling, brilliant, wonderful actor I was privileged to call a friend."
8. Alan Rickman, who played Severus Snape, died in 2016.
Alan Rickman at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Alan Rickman's tragic death at age 69 due to cancer left many Harry Potter fans utterly bereft. Fellow actors, along with J.K. Rowling, took to Twitter to praise Alan's extraordinary talent and genuine friendship.
BBC News reported he was "Surrounded by family and friends" at the time of his death. Daniel Radcliffe wrote, "Working with [Alan] at such a formative age was incredibly important, and I will carry the lessons he taught me for the rest of my life and career."
9. Terence Bayler, who played The Bloody Barron, died in August 2016.
Terence Baylor
The Guardian reported that Terence, who dies Aug. 2, 2016 at age 86, was "survived by Valerie, and by the son and daughter of his first marriage, to the actor Bridget Armstrong." This venerated New Zealand actor was known by some Americans as The Bloody Barron but his career leapt from the large screen to the small screen and even onto the stage. He was praised for his work with the Monty Python crew, showing the world he could make you laugh or make you cry.
10. John Hurt, who played wandmaker Mr. Ollivander, died in 2017.
John Hurt at the 'Melancholia' premiere.
BAFTA-winning actor John Hurt died at the age of 77 after being treated for pancreatic cancer. His wife told BBC News that he had brought "joy and magic" and it would be a "strange world without him."
11. Robert Hardy, who played Cornelius Fudge, died in 2017.
Robert Hardy at the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
Robert Hardy's acting career spanned 70 years, and the actor passed away at 91. His children wrote a statement to Observer upon his death, saying: "Gruff, elegant, twinkly, and always dignified, he is celebrated by all who knew him and loved him and everyone who enjoyed his work." Richard was awarded a CBE for his acting talents.
12. Verne Troyer, who played Griphook, died in 2018.
Verne Troyer at the 4th annual Team Maria Benefit.
Verne was known for his role as tricky goblin Griphook in Harry Potter, but also for his role as Mini Me in the Austin Powers films. The Washington Post reported that his death was ruled as suicide by alcohol intoxication. He had spoken about his addiction previously.
13. Paul Ritter, who played Eldred Worple, died in 2021.
Paul Ritter
The late British actor played Eldred Worple in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Fans will remember meeting him at Slughorn's infamous Christmas party where Eldred tried to convince Harry to let him write his biography.
At age 54 he died of a brain tumor and according to his obituary, he is, "Survived his wife, Polly Radcliffe, a senior research fellow at the national addiction centre in King’s College London, whom he married in 1996, their sons, Frank and Noah, and his sisters."
14. Helen McCrory, who played Narcissa Malfoy, died in 2021.
Helen McCrory at the Virgin TV BAFTA awards.
Actress Helen McCrory was known for her roles in Harry Potter and on the television show Peaky Blinders. Sadly, she died in her home on April 16, 2021 at age 52 from cancer. She is survived by her husband, Damian Lewis, and two children.
15. Robbie Coltrane, who played Hagrid, died in October 2022.
Robbie Coltrane
When Robbie Coltrane died in October 2022, he had been battling a private illness for two years, per Deadline. Known as the lovable half-giant, half-human Rubeus Hagrid, Robbie brought a deeply beautiful character to life in a way that very few actors could. Though his career was not limited to the Harry Potter universe, it's his time as the sweet, animal-loving Hagrid, that fans remember most.
16. Leslie Phillips, who voiced the Sorting Hat, died in 2022.
Leslie Phillips
Leslie Phillips brought to life one of the franchise's most iconic characters. The Sorting Hat was responsible for sealing the fates of every new Hogwarts student. He died at age 98 on Nov. 7, 2022 and was survived by his third wife Zara Carr along with his children. It's impossible to sum up his career which was vast and eclectic. It's safe to say his voice will live on.
17. Paul Grant, who played Gringotts' goblin, died in 2023.
Paul's daughter Sophie Jayne Grant told Sky News she was "heartbroken" upon hearing the news of her father's death. "No girl deserves their dad to be taken away... He was so well known and loved [for his work]. He's gone too soon," she said. The 56-year-old actor collapsed and died from a heart attack at King's Cross station in London on March 20, 2023.
He starred in films like Return of the Jedi, Labyrinth, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Paul was known by friends as The King of Dwarfs, per Hello Magazine.
18. Sir Michael Gambon, who played Dumbledore, died in 2023
Sir Michael Gambon
A representative told PEOPLE that, Sir Michael Gambon "died peacefully" while in the hospital for pneumonia, on Sept. 27, 2023. He was best known for replacing the late Richard Harris as Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films.
Upon hearing of his passing, he was honored by fellow Harry Potter cast mates including Daniel Radcliffe who told The Guardian he was "one of the most brilliant, effortless actors I’ve ever had the privilege of working with, but despite his immense talent, the thing I will remember most about him is how much fun he had doing his job."
