In the magical world of *Harry Potter*, the "wands up" tribute has become a poignant way for fans to honor the memory of the beloved actors who brought the series to life. Over the years, many of these cherished cast members have passed away, leaving a lasting impact on the franchise and its fans. Here, we pay homage to those actors, listed in the order of their passing, who have left us but continue to live on through their iconic roles.
The journey of the *Harry Potter* series began in 2001, introducing us to a world of magic and wonder. As time has passed, we've had to bid farewell to several of the actors who helped weave this enchanting tale.
Image via Warner Bros.
Richard Harris, who portrayed the wise and powerful Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films, passed away from Hodgkin's Disease in 2002 at the age of 72. His portrayal laid the foundation for one of the most iconic characters in the series.
Robert Knox played Marcus Belby, a member of the Slug Club in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Tragically, he was killed in a stabbing incident in 2008 at just 18 years old. His character was not recast for the remaining films, leaving a void in the series.
Image via Warner Bros.
Elizabeth Spriggs brought to life the portrait of the Fat Lady, guardian of Gryffindor Tower. She passed away in 2008 at the age of 78. The role was recast for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban when the character's appearance and location changed.
Timothy Bateson voiced Kreacher, the house-elf of the Black family, in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. He passed away in 2009 at the age of 83, before the series concluded. Simon McBurney took over the role for the remaining films.
Image via Warner Bros.
Jimmy Gardner played the memorable Knight Bus driver, Ernie, in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. His brief but impactful appearance left a lasting impression. Gardner passed away in 2010 at the age of 85.
Alfred Burke portrayed Hogwarts' former headmaster, Armando Dippet, in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. He passed away in 2011 at the age of 92.
Image via Warner Bros.
Richard Griffiths delivered the unforgettable line "No post on Sundays" as Vernon Dursley in all Harry Potter films. He passed away in 2013 from heart surgery complications at the age of 65.
Peter Cartwright played Elphias Doge, a member of the Order of the Phoenix, in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. He passed away before the filming of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I, leading to the role being recast. Cartwright died in 2013 at the age of 78.
Image via Warner Bros.
Dave Legeno portrayed the terrifying werewolf Fenrir Greyback. He tragically passed away from heatstroke while hiking in 2014 at the age of 50.
Derek Deadman played Tom, the landlord of the Leaky Cauldron, in the first Harry Potter film. He passed away in 2014 from complications of diabetes, and the role was recast for subsequent films.
David Ryall took over the role of Elphias Doge in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. He passed away in 2014 at the age of 79.
Image via Warner Bros.
Alan Rickman's portrayal of the complex Severus Snape spanned all eight Harry Potter films. He passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2016 at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy of depth and nuance.
Terence Bayler played the silent but eerie Slytherin ghost, the Bloody Baron. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 86.
Image via Warner Bros.
Hazel Douglas portrayed Bathilda Bagshot, the author of A History of Magic, in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I. She passed away in 2016 at the age of 92.
Sir John Hurt brought the enigmatic wandmaker Ollivander to life in the Harry Potter films. He passed away from pancreatic cancer in early 2017, shortly after his 77th birthday.
Sam Beazley played the portrait of Professor Everard in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. He passed away in 2017 at the remarkable age of 101.
Image via Warner Bros.
Robert Hardy portrayed the affable yet inept Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 91.
In Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Verne Troyer played Griphook the goblin, although Warwick Davis provided the character's voice. Troyer passed away from complications of alcohol intoxication, later ruled a suicide, in 2018.
Paul Ritter played the minor character Eldred Worple, a former student of Professor Horace Slughorn, in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. He passed away from a brain tumor in 2021 at the age of 54.
Image via Warner Bros.
Helen McCrory portrayed Narcissa Malfoy, Draco's mother, in the Harry Potter series. She passed away from cancer in 2021 at the age of 52.
Image via Warner Bros.
Robbie Coltrane brought the beloved half-giant Hagrid to life in all eight Harry Potter films. He passed away from organ failure in 2022 at the age of 72.
Leslie Phillips, though never seen on screen, was the voice behind Hogwarts' Sorting Hat. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 98.
Sir Michael Gambon took over the role of Albus Dumbledore starting with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. He passed away from pneumonia in 2023 at the age of 82.
Image via Warner Bros.
Dame Maggie Smith portrayed the formidable Professor McGonagall in all eight Harry Potter films. She passed away in September 2024 at the age of 89.
Simon Fisher-Becker appeared as the jovial Fat Friar in the first Harry Potter film, the Philosopher's Stone. He passed away in March 2025 at the age of 63.
These actors brought depth and magic to the *Harry Potter* series, and their contributions will never be forgotten. As fans, we continue to honor their memory with a "wands up" tribute, celebrating the joy and wonder they brought to our lives.
*The Harry Potter movies are streaming now on Peacock.*
*The above article was updated on 3/10/2025 by Escapist Editorial to include additional Harry Potter cast member.*
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