The Harry Potter universe is one of the most beloved creations globally.
Whether in the films or the books by J.K. Rowling, the stories resonate with audiences because of their originality, excitement, and memorable characters.
On the big screen, the film series achieved remarkable success, largely thanks to the talented actors who brought the characters from the novels to life.
Unfortunately, as time has gone by—over a decade since the last Potter film was released—some of the stars from the series are no longer with us.
Dame Maggie Smith (Minerva McGonagall)
The legendary British actress Dame Maggie Smith portrayed the iconic Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter universe.
She appeared in seven of the eight films in the original series, with her only absence being in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1.
Dame Maggie’s passing was announced on September 27, 2024.
Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, stated: “An intensely private person, she was surrounded by friends and family in her final moments. She leaves behind two sons and five beloved grandchildren, all heartbroken by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
Richard Harris (Albus Dumbledore)
The legendary British actor portrayed headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films.
He passed away after the second film, The Chamber of Secrets, and was succeeded by Michael Gambon, who took over the role starting with The Prisoner of Azkaban.
He passed away on October 25, 2002, at the age of 72.
Elizabeth Spriggs (The Fat Lady)
Spriggs only appeared in the first film of the franchise, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, which came out in 2001.
A stage and film actress with a career spanning over fifty years, she portrayed the character of The Fat Lady.
This character was a living portrait at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, responsible for guarding the Gryffindor common room.
Dawn French assumed the role after her passing.
Spriggs passed away on July 2, 2008, at the age of 78.
Timothy Bateson (Kreacher)
Bateson portrayed the other house elf in the series, Kreacher, rather than Dobby.
He lent his voice to the role in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, which became his final work before he passed away on September 15, 2009, at the age of 83.
Kreacher made an appearance in Deathly Hallows – Part One, where he was voiced by Simon McBurney.
Jimmy Gardner (Ernie Prang)
“Take her away, Ern! It’s going to be a bumpy ride!”
A memorable line from the third film in the series, Gardner played the role of the driver of the magical Knight Bus.
His only appearance in the film features him driving the vehicle erratically, as he transports Harry Potter to the Leaky Cauldron.
Gardner passed away on May 3, 2010.
Robert Knox (Marcus Belby)
Rob Knox appeared in only one film, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
He was scheduled to appear in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part One, having signed his contract for the film, but he passed away before filming began.
Knox was tragically murdered in a stabbing outside a London bar in May 2008 while intervening in a fight involving his brother.
The man who fatally stabbed Knox, Karl Norman Bishop, was sentenced to life in prison for the heinous crime. Knox was only 18 years old at the time of his death on May 24, 2008.
Alfred Burke (Armando Dippet)
Burke played the role of Armando Dippet in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
He appeared in flashback scenes as the headmaster of Hogwarts during Dumbledore’s time as a student at the wizarding school.
Burke passed away at the age of 92 in February 2011.
Richard Griffiths (Vernon Dursley)
In an iconic role in the early Potter films, Griffiths portrayed Harry’s Uncle Vernon, who took in the orphaned boy after the death of his parents at the hands of Voldemort.
A highly respected actor, Griffiths was also widely recognized for his roles in Chariots of Fire and The History Boys.
He passed away on March 28, 2013.
Eric Sykes (Frank Bryce)
Sykes portrayed Muggle Frank Bryce, who served as the gardener for Voldemort’s paternal grandparents.
His character is killed in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire after overhearing a conversation between Voldemort and his snake, Nagini, in the dilapidated house that was once the Riddle family’s home.
Sykes passed away on July 4, 2012.
Roger Lloyd Pack (Barty Crouch Senior)
Known throughout the UK for his role as Trigger in Only Fools and Horses, Lloyd Pack joined the Harry Potter universe as the influential Ministry of Magic official Barty Crouch Senior.
He passed away on January 15, 2014.
Peter Cartwright (Elphias Doge)
Cartwright portrayed the wizard Elphias Doge, a member of the Order of the Phoenix.
He appeared in Order of the Phoenix, where he helped escort Harry to Grimmauld Place.
He passed away on November 18, 2013, and was replaced by David Ryall in later films.
David Ryall (Elphias Doge)
Ryall, who took over Cartwright’s role, also sadly passed away.
He appeared in Deathly Hallows – Part One in the role of Doge.
He passed away on December 25, 2014.
Derek Deadman (Tom from The Leaky Cauldron)
Deadman played a character known simply as Tom, a British wizard who served as the landlord, innkeeper, and barman of every wizard’s favorite pub, The Leaky Cauldron.
He passed away from complications of diabetes on November 22, 2014, after retiring to France.
Dave Legeno (Fenrir Greyback)
A terrifying character, Legeno portrayed Fenrir Greyback—a werewolf and Death Eater with a disturbing fixation on attacking unsuspecting children.
Legeno was found dead by hikers in Death Valley, California, in July 2014.
He appeared in three Potter films.
Alan Rickman (Severus Snape)
One of the most iconic faces in the Potter universe, Rickman portrayed Severus Snape in every film of the series.
Snape served as a teacher at Hogwarts before becoming headmaster after Dumbledore’s death in both the books and films.
He passed away in January 2016 after a terminal cancer diagnosis that he had chosen to keep private.
Terence Bayler (The Bloody Baron)
Bayler portrayed the mischievous ghost known as The Bloody Baron in the first Potter film.
The Kiwi actor played the role of the ghoul and is seen flying through the school in the first film.
He passed away on August 2, 2016.
Hazel Douglas (Bathilda Bagshot)
Douglas appeared in Deathly Hallows – Part One as the magic historian Bathilda Bagshot.
Bagshot was a well-known author of A History of Magic.
