15 Magical Harry Potter Stars Gone Too Soon

Honoring the Stars We’ve Lost

All 8 Harry Potter movies were nothing but pure wizardly magic, creating a fanbase that recognized the series worldwide. The cutting-edge visuals, the magical world, and the intriguing characters all played a great role in the series’ success.

However, the most important component was the actors who played the movie’s characters. Even though some of them have left us, their wizardly legacy remains.

Maggie Smith

Everyone’s beloved Prof. McGonagall left the world on Sept 27, 2024. The iconic actress appeared in all Harry Potter installments except Deadly Hallows (part 1).

She died at the age of 89 at Chelsea and Westminister Hospital, London. Daniel Radcliffe, upon Maggie Smith’s death, commented, “The word legend is overused but if it applies to anyone in our industry, then it applies to her. Thank you, Maggie.”

Michael Gambon

Headmaster Albus Dumbledore contracted pneumonia and died peacefully in the hospital in September 2023. The 82-year-old actor took over the role of Albus Dumbledore after the death of Richard Harris.

A statement was issued that said, “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.”

Richard Harris

Richard Harris played the wise Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. His presence and acting left an unforgettable mark on the film series and its viewers.

The actor passed away at the age of 72 on October 25, 2002. He died due to Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a rare type of cancer.

Alan Rickman

The most misunderstood character in all of the film series, Alan Rickman aka Severus Snape died at the age of 69 on January 14, 2016. The actor was unfortunately diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which eventually became the cause of his death.

The family released a statement saying, “He was surrounded by friends and family.”

Emma Watson shared her condolences via Instagram with the caption, “I’m very sad to hear about Alan today. I feel so lucky to have worked and spent time with such a special man and actor.”

“I’ll really miss our conversations. RIP Alan. We love you.”

Leslie Phillips

Died at the age of 98, Leslie Phillips was a memorable character in the Harry Potter film series. He was assigned the role of doing voiceover for sorting hats. His agent informed BBC that the actor died peacefully in his sleep.

His wife said, “I’ve lost a wonderful husband, and the public has lost a truly great showman. He was quite simply a national treasure. People loved him. He was mobbed everywhere he went.”

Robbie Coltrane

Robbie passed away at the age of 72, on October 14, 2022, at the Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Larbert, UK. A character loved by everyone, Robbie was best known for his role as Hagrid in all eight Harry Potter films.

Robbie in Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts  said, “The legacy of the movies is that my children’s generation will show them to their children, so you could be watching it in 50 years’ time, easy. I’ll not be here, sadly, but Hagrid will.”

Richard Griffiths

Harry Potter’s evil uncle, Vernon Dursley, real name is Richard Griffiths, and the actor passed away on March 28, 2013. The actor was 65 years old and died due to complications during his heart surgery at the University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire.

Daniel Radcliffe in a statement to BBC said at the time of the actor’s death, “Richard was by my side during two of the most important moments of my career. I was proud to know him.”

Helen McCrory

Draco Malfoy’s mother and Lucius Malfoy’s wife, Narcissa Malfoy was played by Helen McCrory. The actress died in April 2021 due to cancer. She was 52 at the time of her death.

The news was shared on Twitter via the actress’s husband with the caption, “I’m heartbroken to announce that after a 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.”

Verne Troyer

Verne Troyer, who passed away in 2018 at 49, portrayed Griphook in the Harry Potter series. However, he didn’t voice the character, that role was performed by Warwick Davis.

Troyer’s portrayal brought depth to the goblin character, leaving fans with a memorable impression of his talent and contribution to the series.

John Hurt

At the age of 77, John Hurt died on January 25, 2017. The actor played the role of wand shop owner Garrick Ollivander in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. He returned to the film series for Deathly Hollows and Goblet of Fire.

“So very sad to hear that the immensely talented and deeply beloved John Hurt has died. My thoughts are with his family and friends,” commented J.K Rowling on her Twitter.

Roger Lloyd Pack

Roger passed away in January 2014 at the age of 69. Lloyd was an exceptional actor who simply slayed every role he played, including the Barty Couch Sr. role in Harry Potter.

His role revolved around being an influential official at the Ministry of Magic in the Harry Potter universe. Even though his role wasn’t that huge, the actor’s presence on the screen left an undeniable impact.

Robert Hardy

Played the famous role of Cornelius Fudge, Robert Hardy died on August 3, 2017. His character in the Harry Potter films was the perfect flawed one.

Fudge was ambitious and powerful. His role as Minister of Magic was an important one in the wizard landscape of the film and was played well by the deceased actor.

Jimmy Gardner

Jimmy Gardner, who played Ernie Prang in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), died on May 3, 2010, at the age of 85.

Besides making his debut in acting during the 1960s, the actor also previously served in the Royal Air Force during World War II. Jimmy’s role in Harry Potter was limited to being a Knight bus driver.

Dave Legeno

Dave Legeno played the gruesome role of Fenrir Greyback in the Harry Potter film series. Fenrir Greyback was both a Death Eater and a werewolf, appearing in three Harry Potter movies.

He died at the age of 50 in July 2014. He tragically passed away in Death Val,ley California, and was found by a bunch of hikers.

For another heartbreaking story, check out Liam Payne’s Sudden Death Shocks The World for more on this tragic loss.

Derek Deadman

Derek Dreadman starred in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001) and played the role of a wizard. The actor had served as an actor for 38 years.

The actor passed away in 2014 following diabetes complications.

The year 2024 has seen a lot of actors departing from the world. Check out Tragic Losses in Hollywood This Year .