Alan Rickman died from cancer in 2016 (Image: Warner Bros)
The cultural phenomenon that was took the world by storm when it was first released in 2001. Seven films followed the Philosopher’s Stone before the final chapter, Deathly Hallows Part 2, hit screens in July 2011.
Over that decade, hundreds of actors brought J. K. Rowling’s enchanting world to life. But now, more than 20 years later, a number of those talented stars sadly lost their lives.
This includes Alan Rickman, who played Severus Snape in all eight films. The actor died nine years ago today (January 14) at the age of 69 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Narcissa Malfoy star Helen McCrory, Olivander star John Hurt and Roger Lloyd-Pack, famed for playing Barty Crouch Sr., also died from cancer.
Other core members of the cast, including Robbie Coltraine and both actors who played Dumbledore have sadly died. The latest tragedy related to the franchise came in September 2024, following .
But there are others from the films who have under different circumstances, from murder to surgeries gone wrong.
Rob Knox – Marcus Belby
Rob Knox was stabbed to death when he was just 18 (Image: Warner Bros/Getty Images)
Tragically, Rob Knox’s life was cut short when he was just 18 in 2008. The actor was fatally stabbed outside the Metro Bar in Sidcup, South East London.
This horrific event occurred just days after he completed filming for what was touted as his “big break” in the Harry Potter series.
He appeared in the sixth instalment, The Half-Blood Prince, as Marcus Belby, a Ravenclaw student notable for his invitation to Professor Slughorn’s exclusive Slug Club due to his father’s fame.
Rob had been set to reprise his role in the subsequent film but was cruelly taken before production commenced. Karl Bishop was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder.
…
Richard Griffiths – Vernon Dursley
Richard Griffiths died from complications during heart surgery (Image: Warner Bros/Getty Images)
Richard Griffiths was famed for playing Harry’s cruel and abusive uncle Vernon Dursley, who famously locked his nephew in a cupboard under the stairs for a large part of his childhood.
The actor died at the age of 65 after complications during heart surgery at University Hospital Coventry in 2013, just two years after the final film was released.
Despite Harry despising his uncle, Griffiths and Daniel Radcliffe shared a close bond, shown in the 35-year-old’s tribute after his co-star’s death.
Radcliffe wrote: “Richard was by my side during two of the most important moments of my career. I was proud to know him. Any room he walked into was made twice as funny and twice as clever just by his presence.”
Dave Legeno – Fenrir Greyback
Dave Legeno’s body was discovered in the remote Death Valley, California (Image: Warner Bros/Getty Images)
In 2014, Dave Legeno’s body was discovered by hikers in the remote Death Valley, California. His remains had to be airlifted due to the area’s isolation.
An inquest concluded that the 50-year-old succumbed to heat-related health issues and may have been deceased for three to four days before being found. No foul play was suspected in his death.
Legeno starred as Fenrir Greyback, a werewolf notorious for his savagery and preference for attacking children.
While Greyback had a limited presence in the films, the character featured more prominently in the books.
Don’t miss…
Derek Deadman – Tom The Barman
Derek Deadman was the first actor to play Tom (Image: Warner Bros/Getty Images)
The first actor to play the friendly innkeeper Tom, the bartender in the Leaky Cauldron, was Derek Deadman. He was then replaced by Jim Tavare in the third film, the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Deadman died of complications from diabetes at the age of 74 in 2014. He passed away in Frespech, France, where he moved to retire.
The actor appeared in numerous British films and television series for 38 years, with Tom being one of his final roles.
Paul Ritter – Eldred Worple
Paul Ritter starred as Eldred Worple in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Image: Warner Bros. Pictures)
Perhaps best known for his role in Channel 4’s Friday Night Dinner, Paul Ritter also made an appearance in the Harry Potter franchise.
The actor starred as Eldred Worple, a wizard and writer who was once a favourite student of Horace Slughorn, in The Half-Blood Prince.
.
Friday Night Dinner creator Robert Popper said of his passing: “Devastated at this terribly sad news. Paul was a lovely, wonderful human being. Kind, funny, super caring and the greatest actor I ever worked with.”
Ritter was also a talented stage actor, and was nominated for an Olivier award in 2006 for his performance in Coram Boy and for a Tony award for his 2009 starring role in the Norman Conquests.
He battled through his symptoms to film the 10th anniversary special of Friday Night Dinner, which aired shortly after his death.
Ritter died from a brain tumour in 2021 (Image: Getty)