Since the release of the beloved Harry Potter films, we’ve had to say goodbye to many of the iconic actors who helped bring J.K. Rowling’s magical world to life. Last week, the nation mourned the loss of Dame Maggie Smith, an iconic figure in the Wizarding World and beyond.
Dame Maggie Smith (1934 – 2024)
Dame Maggie Smith, known for her legendary roles in Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, passed away at 89. She portrayed the stern but lovable Professor Minerva McGonagall in all eight Harry Potter films. Her death was confirmed by her sons in a heartfelt statement.
Richard Harris (1930 – 2002)
Richard Harris played the original Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets. Harris captured the wise and kind nature of Dumbledore before passing away at age 72 after battling Hodgkin’s Disease in 2002.
Richard Griffiths (1947 – 2013)
Richard Griffiths portrayed the grumpy and overbearing Uncle Vernon Dursley. Known for his wide-ranging filmography, Griffiths passed away in 2013 at age 65 due to complications following heart surgery.
Alan Rickman (1946 – 2016)
Alan Rickman, the unforgettable Severus Snape, played the complex and ultimately heroic character throughout all eight Harry Potter films. Rickman tragically passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2016 at the age of 69.
John Hurt (1940 – 2017)
John Hurt appeared in the first Harry Potter film as Mr. Ollivander, the wise wand-maker. With a career spanning six decades, Hurt was knighted in 2015 but sadly succumbed to pancreatic cancer in 2017 at the age of 77.
Verne Troyer (1969 – 2018)
Verne Troyer, known for his portrayal of Griphook, tragically died at age 49 in 2018. His death was ruled a suicide, attributed to alcohol intoxication.
Helen McCrory (1968 – 2021)
Helen McCrory played Narcissa Malfoy, the protective mother in the Harry Potter series. The renowned actress, also known for her role in Peaky Blinders, passed away in 2021 from breast cancer at the age of 52.
Robbie Coltrane (1950 – 2022)
Robbie Coltrane was adored for his role as the gentle giant Hagrid. Coltrane passed away from sepsis in 2022 at age 72, leaving behind a legacy that touched millions.
Leslie Phillips (1924 – 2022)
Leslie Phillips was the voice behind the Sorting Hat, a key figure in the Harry Potter franchise. The veteran actor passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 98 in 2022.
Michael Gambon (1940 – 2023)
Michael Gambon took over the role of Dumbledore after Richard Harris’s passing, continuing the legacy in six films. With a distinguished career spanning over six decades, Gambon passed away in 2023 at age 82 due to pneumonia.
These legends left an indelible mark on both the Wizarding World and cinema at large. Their contributions to the Harry Potter franchise helped bring magic into the hearts of millions worldwide, and their legacies will live on forever.
