The Harry Potter film series has turned its stars into household names over the years, and the loss of some actors has deeply affected the fandom. While the film adaptations catapulted Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint to stardom, they also featured already famous faces who have since passed away.
Legends like Alan Rickman and Helen McCrory are among those 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.
Let’s take a moment to remember those who are no longer with us.
Richard Harris
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.
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.
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
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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 in September, 2023.
Derek Deadman
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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
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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 in 2008.
Roger Lloyd Pack
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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 in 2014.
Richard Griffiths
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Richard Griffiths, who famously said “36, counted them myself.”
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 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
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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
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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 in 2017.
Helen McCrory
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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 in 2021.
Paul Ritter
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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, where 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.
Robbie Coltrane
(Image: Getty Images for Disney)
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.
Leslie Phillips
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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
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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.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
