Harry Potter is one of the most popular franchises that ever existed. Based on J. K. Rowling’s fantasy novel series of the same name, the movie series has established its fame and legacy by adhering to the original book series.
The franchise that was established about 25 years ago has produced eight movies and many actors have played their parts. But unfortunately, many actors have passed away leaving the Potterheads devastated. Here are 7 Harry Potter actors who passed away.
Michael Gambon
The most recent devastating news from Harry Potter, the passing of Michael Gambon, has left fans devastated. Gambon who played Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in six Harry Potter movies died in September 2023, at the age of 82. “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon. Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside,” the actor’s representative revealed in a statement (via People). The reps also said that the actor died peacefully in the hospital.
Alan Rickman
Alan Rickman’s portrayal of Severus Snape was one of the most popular characters from the franchise. Rickman was also loved by many and he left all the Potterheads in tears following his death in 2016. “He was surrounded by family and friends,” the family said in a statement to BBC at the time. Rickman was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and it took his life, he was 69.
Robbie Coltrane
Robbie Coltrane’s death was shocking. Coltrane’s Harry Potter character Rubeus Hagrid was one of the most beloved characters from the franchise. The Scottish actor died in October 2022 at the age of 72. Reportedly, the actor was suffering for two years prior to his death.
Richard Harris
The death of the original Dumbledore actor was devastating to many including the cast and crew and global Potterheads. Richard Harris played Dumbledore in the first two movies before his death in 2002 after his battle with Hodgkin’s Disease. The actor was 72. “Richard Harris was Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter movies, and when he got sick, I remember going to see him in the hospital,” producer David Heyman told The Hollywood Reporter of Harris. “He said: “Don’t dare recast. I’ll be back.” And then he didn’t make it. And he was a godfather to me, and it was like a family, and there’s grieving. You don’t rush on and go, “Oh well, who are we going to get to replace him?” he added. Following his death Gambon took over the role of Dumbledore in the later movies.
Helen McCrory
Best known for her role in Peaky Blinders, Helen McCrory died of breast cancer at her London home in April 2021. McCrory played Narcissa Malfoy, wife of Lucius Malfoy and mother of Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter franchise. “I’m heartbroken to announce that after an heroic battle with cancer, the beautiful and mighty woman that is Helen McCrory has died peacefully at home, surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family,” her husband Damian Lewis revealed the news on Twitter (now X). “She died as she lived. Fearlessly. God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. She blazed so brightly. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.” At the time of death, McCrory was 52.
Richard Griffiths
Richard Griffiths played Harry Potter’s vicious uncle in the franchise. Sadly, the British actor died in 2013 due to complications following heart surgery. Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe mourned the death of the actor recalling his moments with Griffiths. “Richard was by my side during two of the most important moments of my career. I was proud to know him,” Radcliffe told BBC. The actor was 65 at the time of death.
Paul Grant
Paul Grant, another Harry Potter actor left fans devastated following his passing in March 2023 at the age of 56. Beyond acting, Grant has also been a stuntman and popularized his name working with fantasy franchises like Star Wars and Harry Potter. Grant played Gringott goblin in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
Also read: 10 Big Mistakes Eagle-Eyed Harry Potter Fans Found in the $9.5 Billion Franchise
Several other actors from the Harry Potter franchise have passed away including, Leslie Phillips, the voice behind the Sorting Hat in Harry Potter, Verne Troyer, Robert Hardy, John Hurt, Timothy Bateson, Terence Bayler, Robert Knox, Sam Beazley, Dave Legeno, Peter Cartwright, Derek Deadman, Hazel Douglas, Alfred Burke, Jimmy Gardner, Elizabeth Spriggs, and Paul Ritter who played Eldred Worple in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
