Lots of Harry Potter legends have sadly left us.
On Friday (September 27) it was announced that beloved actress Dame Maggie Smith, who played Professor McGonagall in the Hogwarts films, has died at the age of 89. A statement from her sons revealed she “passed away peacefully in hospital” in the early hours of Friday morning.
She’s now among other icons like Alan Rickman and Helen McCrory who have died in the years following the films, while others tragically didn’t live to see the end of the series, such as 18 year old Robert Knox, who was sadly murdered.
READ MORE: Harry Potter star’s son asked to play dad’s character – but says ‘why do a remake’
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Daily Star has looked back at the stars who made Harry Potter so magical.
Dame Maggie Smith
(Image: Warner Brothers)
Maggie Smith was the perfect choice to play Professor McGonagall in the Potter films. We see her in the very first moments of the first movie, where Albus Dumbledore delivers a baby Harry Potter on The Dursleys’ doorstep.
The veteran actress even bravely fought through cancer while starring in The Half-Blood Prince. She died surrounded by her friends and family.
Her sons confirmed her passing. In a statement shared by their publicist, they said: “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September.
“An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days.
“We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”
Richard Harris
(Image: BWP Media)
This iconic British actor portrayed Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the first two films – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, reports the Mirror.
In addition to the wizarding world, Richard is known for his roles in Gladiator, Unforgiven, Camelot, and The Count of Monte Cristo. Sadly, he passed away on 25th October 2002, shortly after the release of the second film. He was 72 years old.
Robbie Coltrane
(Image: Press Association)
The Scottish legend Robbie Coltrane, who brought to life the beloved character Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter film saga, will be deeply missed. Hagrid’s bond with Harry was iconic, but his warmth extended to Dumbledore and other students at Hogwarts.
Robbie’s impressive acting portfolio also featured roles in the gritty ITV series Cracker and as a Bond regular in Goldeneye and The World Is Not Enough. Robbie’s death in 2022 has left a void in the hearts of fans worldwide.
Robert Knox
(Image: Warner Bros/Getty Images)
Robert Knox appeared in the Half-Blood Prince film as Marcus Belby. He had signed a contract to appear in Deathly Hallows, part one.
Tragically, in May 2008, Robert was murdered outside a bar in Sidcup, London. He was just 18 years old at the time.
Timothy Bateson
Timothy Bateson lent his voice to the less popular house elf in the Harry Potter series – Kreacher. Born in 1926, he was renowned for his roles in films and TV shows from as early as the 1950s, but he also starred in Labyrinth in 1986.
He played a part in the Order of the Phoenix film, which ended up being his last work before his death in 2009.
Michael Gambon
(Image: Getty Images)
After Richard Harris’ death, Michael Gambon was chosen to play Dumbledore. He portrayed the headmaster role until the character’s tragic death (spoiler!) in the Half-Blood Prince. Before joining the Harry Potter universe, Michael was recognised as one of the original members of the Royal National Theatre.
He gained fame for his performances in several Shakespearean plays including Othello, Hamlet, Macbeth and Coriolanus. Michael passed away following a bout of pneumonia in September, 2023.
Derek Deadman
(Image: Warner Bros/Getty Images)
Derek Deadman starred as British wizard Tom who worked at The Leaky Cauldron. The character’s job roles included being the landlord, innkeeper and the barman.
Derek is famously known for playing Ringo in Never the Twain and also appeared in Jabberwocky, Time Bandits and The Scarlet Pimpernel. He passed away in 2014.
Elizabeth Spriggs
(Image: Warner Bros/Getty Images)
Elizabeth Spriggs appears in just the first Harry Potter film as The Fat Lady – a living portrait and also the key to the Gryffindor common room dormitories. Characters had to state a password before she would open the door.
Elizabeth also had roles in Sense and Sensibility, Is Anybody There and Simon and the Witch. She passed away aged 78 in 2008.
Roger Lloyd Pack
(Image: PA)
In the Harry Potter series, Roger Lloyd Pack portrayed Barty Crouch Senior, a Ministry of Magic official, in Goblet of Fire. He is also well-known for his roles in Only Fools and Horses, The Vicar of Dibley and Doctor Who.
Sadly, Roger passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2014.
Richard Griffiths
(Image: Warner Bros/Getty Images)
Richard Griffiths, who famously said “no post on Sundays” as he mocked a young Harry before his house was flooded with Hogwarts acceptance letters.
He played the detestable Mr Vernon Weasley, but an iconic character nonetheless. He appeared in five of the films in the series – he was not written in for Goblet of Fire and the Half-Blood Prince.
Outside of the wizarding world, Richard also starred in Chariots of Fire and The History Boys. He passed away following complications after heart surgery in 2013.
Jimmy Gardner
Jimmy Gardner took on the role of Ernie – the magic night bus driver. One of the most famous lines from the series was spoken to him: “take it away Ern, it’s going to be a bumpy ride”.
He appears just once in the Prisoner of Azkaban film, escorting Harry to the Leaky Cauldron. Jimmy passed away in May 2010.
Alan Rickman
(Image: Warner Bros/Getty Images)
Alan Rickman, who played Severus Snape, was an actor who appeared in other blockbuster movies including Love Actually and Sense and Sensibility. Snape is one of the most iconic characters in Harry Potter, someone who is quite terrible but you also have a soft spot for.
It isn’t until later when we find out how much depth the character has, and actually how much heartbreak he endeavored. Alan Rickman was diagnosed with terminal cancer and died in 2016.
Dave Legeno
(Image: No credit)
Actor Dave Legeno played the terrifying Fenrir Greyback, a werewolf and Death Eater.
The character made an appearance in the Half-Blood Prince on the fateful night of Dumbledore’s demise.
In 2014, the star’s body was discovered in Death Valley, California. It was determined that Dave Legeno had succumbed to heat-related health issues.
Death Valley, known as California’s hottest and driest National Park, is notoriously perilous for hikers.
Eric Sykes
(Image: Warner Bros/Getty Images)
Eric Sykes portrayed Frank Bryce, the gardener for Voldermort’s grandparents. His character meets his end in the fourth film – the Goblet of Fire – after eavesdropping on a conversation between The Dark Lord and his serpent Nagini.
He gained fame for his work on the cult comedy The Goon Show, although he initially started writing for radio. Eric passed away in July 2012.
Terence Bayler
(Image: Warner Bros/Getty Images)
New Zealand actor Terence Bayler played The Bloody Baron, the mischievous ghost in the Philosopher’s Stone. He also gained recognition for starring in Monty Python’s Life of Brian,.
He passed away in 2016.
Alfred Burke
(Image: Warner Bros/Getty Images)
Alfred took on the role of Armando Dippet in the second Harry Potter film, The Chamber of Secrets. He appeared as the headmaster of Hogwarts during a flashback scene depicting Dumbledore as a student.
He passed away in 2011.
Peter Cartwright
(Image: Warner Bros/Getty Images)
Peter Cartwright portrayed Elphias Doge, a member of the Order of the Phoenix. His character assisted Harry in reaching Grimmauld Place in the fifth film.
Unfortunately, Peter passed away in 2013, before the final films were completed. The character was subsequently portrayed by David Ryall.
David Ryall
(Image: Warner Bros/Getty Images)
As mentioned earlier, David Ryall stepped into the role of Elphias Doge, replacing Peter Cartwright. He featured in the Deathly Hallows, part one before his demise in 2014.
David also starred as Grandad in the BBC sitcom Outnumbered.
Robert Hardy
(Image: Warner Bros/Getty Images)
In Harry Potter, Robert Hardy took on the role of Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic. His appearances as Fudge were in the Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire and Order of the Phoenix.
With a career spanning over seven decades, he was renowned for his portrayals of Winston Churchill. He was also celebrated for All Creatures Great and Small.
He passed away in 2017.
Hazel Douglas
(Image: Warner Bros/Getty Images)
Actress Hazel Douglas portrayed Bathilda Bagshot in the first part of the Deathly Hallows. Her character was a renowned author of A History of Magic.
Her character meets her end and reappears as a corpse harbouring Voldermort’s snake. Hazel passed away in 2016.
John Hurt
(Image: Warner Bros/Getty Images)
A pivotal character in the first Harry Potter, John Hurt played the enchanting Garrick Ollivander, the famed wand-maker. Ollivander owned a shop in Diagon Alley but the character was seized and tortured by Lord Voldemort.
John Hurt was renowned for his roles in 1984, Alien and the Elephant Man. He passed away from cancer in 2017.
Helen McCrory
(Image: Getty Images)
British-born actress Helen McCrory portrayed Draco Malfoy’s mother Narcissa. Over the course of the series we see her character soften, and in the end you sort of feel sympathy for her.
Helen is probably even more renowned for playing Polly Shelby in Peaky Blinders, an iconic and powerful female lead in the TV show. She also played formidable roles for the National Theatre.
Helen passed away from cancer in 2021. She was filming for series 6 of Peaky Blinders at the time of her death, causing the storyline to be altered.
Paul Ritter
(Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
The talented English actor Paul Ritter, known for his role as the quirky dad Martin in the hit series Friday Night Dinner, sadly left us too soon. His remarkable career also included a stint in the wizarding world of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
Here, he portrayed Eldred Worple, an author with a keen interest in penning Harry’s biography. Tragically, Paul lost his battle with a brain tumour in 2021.
Leslie Phillips
(Image: Getty Images)
While Leslie Phillips’ face might not be instantly recognisable, his voice certainly is unforgettable as the Sorting Hat in the Harry Potter films. He made a memorable impact, especially in the first movie during the pivotal house sorting ceremony, proudly exclaiming “Gryffindor! ” as he decided Harry’s fate.
Leslie’s illustrious career wasn’t just limited to voicing enchanted headwear; he also charmed audiences as the grandpa in The Parent Trap alongside Lindsey Lohan and had notable roles in the Carry On and Doctor Who franchises. Leslie’s passing in 2022 marked the end of an era.
Vern Troyer
(Image: PA)
American actor Vern Troyer, known for his role as Griphook the Goblin in the first Harry Potter film, was replaced by Warwick Davies in subsequent movies. Troyer, also famous for his portrayal of Mini Me in the Austin Powers series, sadly passed away in 2018.
Sam Beazley
Sam Beazley, who played Professor Everard in Order of the Phoenix, was another loss to the Harry Potter family. The character of Everard, a former Hogwarts headmaster, featured in the moving portraits.
Beazley had an illustrious career, appearing in productions of Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet in the 1930s before serving in World War II. He passed away in 2010 at the grand age of 101.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
