To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.
Those were the wise words of Albus Dumbledore in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” the first book and movie in a franchise that gave life to some of this generation’s most beloved fictional characters.
With seven books, published between 1997 and 2007, and eight movies, released between 2001 and 2011, many characters passed away in the pages of J.K. Rowling’s novels and on screen.
Some of the actors who depicted those characters have also passed away, with each departure causing heartache among a legion of fans who have become so attached and devoted to the Harry Potter universe.
Maggie Smith, who played Professor Minerva McGonagall, died Friday at the age of 89.
Here’s a look back at some of the actors and actresses from the Harry Potter films who have passed.
“Do not pity the dead, Harry,” Dumbledore once told Potter. “Pity the living, and, above all, those who live without love.”
Maggie Smith – Minerva McGonagall
Dec. 28, 1934 – Sept. 27, 2024
Smith’s accomplishments stretch well beyond the halls of Hogwarts.
The “Downton Abbey” actress won two Oscars, four Emmys and was made a member of the Order of the Companions of Honor by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II.
Michael Gambon – Albus Dumbledore
Oct. 19, 1940 – Sept. 28, 2023
Gambon took over the role of Hogwarts Headmaster in “Prisoner of Azkaban,” the third film in the Harry Potter series.
“We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Michael Gambon,” the official Harry Potter account posted on X. “He brought immeasurable joy to Harry Potter fans from all over the world with his humour, kindness and grace. We will forever hold his memory in our hearts.”
Irish actor Michael Gambon, known for his portrayal of Professor Dumbledore in the “Harry Potter” franchise, died of complications of pneumonia at the age of 82, his family said Thursday.
Richard Harris – Albus Dumbledore
Oct. 1, 1930 – Oct. 25, 2002
Harris was the original Dumbledore in the Harry Potter film series, starring in “Sorcerer’s Stone” and “The Chamber of Secrets.”
Alan Rickman – Severus Snape
Feb. 21, 1946 – Jan. 14, 2016
The beloved British actor who played the skilled, dark professor rose to global fame as Hans Gruber in “Die Hard.”
Robbie Coltrane – Rubeus Hagrid
March 30, 1950 – Oct. 14, 2022
Coltrane played the larger-than-life, half-giant wizard who first informed Harry Potter of his powers.
Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane, who played Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter films, has died at 72.
Helen McCrory – Narcissa Malfoy
Aug. 17, 1968 – April 16, 2021
McCrory played the mother of Lucius Malfoy. She was also starring in the series “Peaky Blinders” when she died of cancer in 2021.
Timothy Bateson – Kreacher
April 3, 1926 – Sept. 15, 2009
Bateson was the voice of the aging house elf who long served House of Black.
Robert Knox – Marcus Belby
Aug. 21, 1989 – May 24, 2008
Knox, who had a small role as a Ravenclaw wizard in “Half Blood Prince”, died at 18 years old after being stabbed outside of a London bar while coming to the aid of his younger brother during a fight.
Richard Griffiths – Vernon Dursley
July 31, 1947 – March 28, 2013
Griffiths, who portrayed the cruel uncle of Harry Potter, died at the age of 65 after complications following heart surgery.
John Hurt – Garrick Ollivander
Jan. 22, 1940 – Jan. 25, 2017
An Academy Award nominee for Best Actor in 1981 for “The Elephant Man,” Hurt was known in the Potter series as a renowned wandmaker who owned Ollivanders in Diagon Alley.
Verne Troyer – Griphook
Jan. 1, 1969 – April 21, 2018
Troyer, who also starred as Mini Me in “Austin Powers,” originally played the goblin who worked at Gringotts Wizarding Bank. He was replaced by Warwick Davis. Troyer’s died in 2018, with his death later ruled a suicide.
Leslie Phillips – The Sorting Hat
April 20, 1924 – Nov. 7, 2022
Phillips voiced the Sorting Hat, a magical hat that sorted new Hogwarts students into the school’s four houses.
