‘Harry Potter’ stars who have died
Michael Gambon's passing was the latest notable Harry Potter deaths
The “Harry Potter” books and movies captivated audiences of all ages thanks to the longevity of the series. Many of those who featured in roles on the big screen will live on forever in the memories of wizarding fans.
Still, real-life deaths have happened to some of the stars of the films and have been met with great sadness over the years.
Here’s a look at some of the “Harry Potter” actors we’ve lost over the years:
Michael Gambon — Albus Dumbledore
Following a brief illness, Gambon passed away at the age of 82. Gambon was a one-of-a-kind actor who rose to fame in the 1980s. However, Gambon was the second of two actor to portray the iconic Dumbledore. Richard Harris was originally cast and held the role for the first two films before his passing.
Leslie Phillips — Sorting Hat
At the age of 98, Phillips, the well-known Harry Potter actor, passed away peacefully in November 2022.
Don’t recognize him? Makes sense… Phillips had the duties of being the legendary voice of the Sorting Hat in the franchise.
Robbie Coltrane — Rubeus Hagrid
Coltrane portrayed one of the most well-known characters in the wizarding world: the larger-than-life Hagrid. Coltrane played the role in all eight films and he was almost destined to do. Author of the “Harry Potter” books, JK Rowling, had three wishes before agreeing to the movie. One of them was Coltrane being cast as Hagrid. He was 72 years old upon his passing on Oct. 14, 2022.
Alan Rickman — Severus Snape
An actor with a long list of roles played, Rickman will be remembered by a generation for years to years to come. He featured as Professor Severus Snape, one of the most complex character throughout the entire “Harry Potter” series. Rickman passed on Jan. 14, 2016, after a battle with pancreatic cancer at age 69.
Richard Griffiths — Vernon Dursley
A hateful character throughout the films that was beloved by fellow cast members, Griffiths passed on March 13, 2013, at age 65 due to complications from heart surgery. Daniel Radcliffe, who portrayed Harry Potter, said Griffiths was “by my side during two of the most important moments of my career,” according to the BBC. One of which was the first time he was on screen as Harry.
Richard Harris — Albus Dumbledore
Harris had a long film career. As it pertains to this list, we have the unfortunate news of telling you he was the first actor from the “Harry Potter” cast to pass away. After appearing in the first two films, Harris died at the age of 72 from Hodgkin’s disease on Oct. 25, 2002. Michael Gambon starred as Professor Dumbledore for the rest of the series. Harris requested that he not be replaced in the film, but the show went on.
Helen McCrory — Narcissa Malfoy
Draco Malfoy is one of the main antagonists of Harry Potter throughout the entire films. McCrory portrayed Narcissa Malfoy, Draco’s mother. More recently, McCrory a huge role as Polly Gray in the Netflix series “Peaky Blinders.” After a bout with cancer, Helen McCrory died on April 16, 2021. She was 52.
Verne Troyer — Griphook
Troyer portrayed Griphook in “Harry Potter.” You might not have known that because, not only was his voice not used for the character in the installments of the movie, he played a goblin covered up in costume. Troyer is best known for his role as Mini Me in the “Austin Powers” films. He died on April 21, 2018, and it was eventually ruled that he took his own life at 49.
Robert Hardy — Cornelius Fudge
Hardy, an acclaimed British actor that started his career in 1949, died at the age of 91 on Aug. 3, 2017. In “Harry Potter” he played Cornelius Fudge, better known as the Minister of Magic. His role appeared in four of the eight films in the series.
Roger Lloyd-Pack — Barty Crouch, Sr.
Crouch, an influential member of the Ministry of Magic in “Harry Potter,” becomes part of one of the biggest subplots in the series. In a twist, his son ends up going over to the dark side. On Jan. 15, 2014, Lloyd-Pack passed away due to complications related to pancreatic cancer. He was 69.
Dave Legeno — Fenrir Greyback
Legeno was 50 when he was found dead due to heat-related illness. He had been hiking in Death Valley, Calif., when he was found on July 2, 2014. In “Harry Potter,” Legeno featured as a werewolf/deatheater, Fenrir Greyback, in the final three films.
Sir John Hurt — Garrick Ollivander
Hurt is considered one of the top British actors ever. He was even knighted in 2015. Hurt played Ollivander during in “Harry Potter.” It wasn’t the largest of roles, but it was one the most memorable, as he was the one who gave Harry his very first wand as a wizard. Hurt passed away on Jan. 25, 2017. A few years prior he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
