Actors From The ‘Harry Potter’ Franchise That We’ve Lost Over The Years

by Talius Dike October 15, 2022, 4:36 pm 1.7k Views

More than 22 years ago, the creative minds at Warner Bros conceived the brilliant idea to recreate J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter books for the big screens, giving rise to eight magical films from seven magical books over the course of ten years, becoming one of Hollywood’s most successful franchises.

The Harry Potter franchise in its conception introduced movie lovers to several brilliant young acting talents like Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Tom Felton, to mention but a few, all of whom have grown up to have successful acting careers. At the same time, it also introduced us to several excellent older actors, some of which sadly have passed away over the years.

Today, we remember and celebrate the lives of those who brought magic not just to our screens but to our hearts as well.

Robbie Coltrane

Coltrane is best known for playing the role of the big hearted fun loving half giant Rubeus Hagrid in all seven Harry Potter movies.

In the Harry Potter 20^th Anniversay: Return to Hogwars which aired on HBO Max, Coltrane emotionally reflected on his time in the franchise between 2001 and 2011 saying “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.”

He passed away on October 2022 at age 72.

Alan Rickman

Severus Snape, the head of Slytherin House was expertly brought to life by Alan Rickman in all eight Harry Potter films.

After battling with Pancreatic Cancer for several years, he died in 2016 at the age of 69.

His performance is widely regarded as one the franchise’s most iconic.

Emma Watson who played Hermione Granger shared her condolences on Facebook when the news broke back in 2016.

“I’m very sad to hear about Alan today,” she wrote. “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.”

Richard Griffiths

Richard Griffiths played Harry Potter’s cruel uncle, Vernon Dursely in five of the eight films, with his final appearance being in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1.

He died in University Hospital in England following complications from a heart sugery in 2013. He was 65.

“Richard was by my side during two of the most important moments of my career. I was proud to know him,” Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, said in a statement to BBC at the time.

Richard Harris

Richard Harris was known for breaking in the role of Hogwats principle, Albus Dumbledore for the first two Harry Potter films; Philosohpers Stone and Chambers of Secret. He died in 2002 aat the University College of London Hospital after his battle with Hodgkins Disease. He was 72.

In wake of his death, Michael Gambon continued to play Dumbledore for the remainded of the series.

Helen McCroy

Helen McCroy portrayed Narcissa Malfoy, wife of deatheater Lucius Malfoy and mother of Draco Malfoy. McCroy also known for portraying other iconic film roles like Polly Shelby in the Peaky Blinders series passed on in April 2021 from cancer in her London home. Her husband, Damian Lewis broke the news to the rest of the world on Twiter.

“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,” Lewis posted in a statement.

Robert Hardy

FRobert Hardy played the role of Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge, in four Harry Potter films; Chambers of Secret, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire and Order of the Phoenix.

Following a long and successful acting career, the acclaimed British actor died in 2017 at the age of 91.

The actor’s family said he lived a “tremendous life” with “a giant career in theatre, television and film spanning more than 70 years,” according to BBC News.

Roger Lloyd-Pack

Roger played the role of Barty Crouch Snr in Goblet of Fire. His best known for playing Trigger in Only Fools and Horses.

A life long Tottenham fan, Roger died in 2014 from pancretic cancer. He was 69.

John Hurt

Academy Award nominee John Hurt during his career played many iconic film roles, one of which was wand shop owner Garrick Ollivander in Philisopher’s Stone, Deathly Hallows and Goblet of Fire.

Hurt died in 2017 at the age of 77.

Verne Troyer

Griphook, one of the many goblins who worked at Gringotts Wizarding Bank was portrayed by Verne Troyer in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, although the character was voiced by Warwick Davis.

Troyer died in 2018 at the age of 49. His death was ruled a suicide six motnhs after his passing.

Jimmy Gardner

Jimmy Gardner briefly but notably appeared in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban as Ernie Prang, the driver of te double decker Knight Bus.

Gardner died in 2010 at 85 years of age.

Elizabeth Spriggs

To get into the Gayffindor Tower, youd have to say the magic word (not please) to the Fat Lady, played by Spriggs.

Spriggs was a longtime actress with the Rotal Shakespear Company and NAthional Theater when she died in 2008.

Terrence Bayler

Bayler played the Bloody Baron, one of the ghosts haunting Hogwarts in the first movie, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The New Zealand actor died n 2016 at age 86.

Timothy Bateson