Following the release of the widely loved Harry Potter movies, we've sadly lost 27 actors who brought the characters to life.
Attention has turned to HBO's new Harry Potter series, which will see the story retold over the course of a decade.
In case you missed it, a casting announcement has set the fandom buzzing.
Newcomers Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout have been confirmed as Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
But before we look to the future, let's take a look back at the actors we've sadly lost, who made Hogwarts a magical place to begin with.
Dame Maggie Smith (Minerva McGonagall)Legendary British actress Dame Maggie Smith played the formidable Professor Minerva McGonagall in seven of the eight original films — only missing out on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1. Her death was announced on 27 September, 2024.
Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, said: "An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother."
Harris played the wise and kind headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the first two films before passing away on 25 October, 2002, aged 72. He was succeeded in the role by Michael Gambon.
Gambon stepped in as Dumbledore from The Prisoner of Azkaban onwards and made the role his own. He passed away on 27 September 2023, at age 82.
Arguably one of the most unforgettable performances in the series, Rickman’s portrayal of the complex Professor Snape spanned every film. He died in January 2016 following a private battle with terminal cancer.
Beloved for his role as the giant-hearted Hagrid, Coltrane brought warmth and humor to the franchise. He died on 14 October 2022.
McCrory portrayed Draco Malfoy’s fiercely protective mother. Also known for her work in Peaky Blinders, she died on 16 April, 2021.
Griffiths was unforgettable as Harry’s grumpy Uncle Vernon. He passed away on 28 March, 2013.
As the enigmatic wand-maker Ollivander, Hurt appeared in four films. He died on 25 January, 2017.
Phillips lent his voice to the Sorting Hat. Known for Carry On films and The Parent Trap, he died on 7 November 2022. His wife Zara called him a “wonderful husband and national treasure.”
Best known as Mini Me in Austin Powers, Troyer also portrayed Griphook in Philosopher’s Stone. He died on 21 April, 2018.
David Ryall and Peter Cartwright (Elphias Doge)Cartwright first played the member of the Order of the Phoenix in Order of the Phoenix and was later replaced by Ryall in Deathly Hallows – Part 1. Cartwright died on 18 November, 2013; Ryall passed on 25 December, 2014.
Elizabeth Spriggs (The Fat Lady)Spriggs appeared in the first film as the portrait guarding Gryffindor Tower. She died on 2 July, 2008. Dawn French later took over the role.
He voiced house-elf Kreacher in Order of the Phoenix. Bateson died on 15 September 2009. Simon McBurney voiced the character afterward.
Jimmy Gardner (Ernie Prang)Gardner played the Knight Bus driver in Prisoner of Azkaban and passed away on 3 May, 2010.
Robert Knox (Marcus Belby)Tragically murdered at just 18, Knox appeared in Half-Blood Prince and had signed on for more. He died on 24 May, 2008, after intervening in a fight. His killer was sentenced to life in prison.
Burke portrayed the former Hogwarts headmaster in Chamber of Secrets. He died in February 2011 at age 92.
Eric Sykes (Frank Bryce)Sykes played the Riddle family gardener in Goblet of Fire. He died on 4 July, 2012.
Roger Lloyd Pack (Barty Crouch Sr.)Known as Trigger from Only Fools and Horses, Lloyd Pack played the stern Ministry official. He died on 15 January 2014.
Deadman portrayed the pub landlord Tom and died on 22 November 2014, in France ,from diabetes complications.
Dave Legeno (Fenrir Greyback)Legeno brought terrifying presence to the role of werewolf Fenrir Greyback. He died in Death Valley, California, in July 2014.
Ritter starred in Half-Blood Prince and was known for Friday Night Dinner and Chernobyl. He passed away on 5 April, 2021.
Terence Bayler (The Bloody Baron)The ghostly Bloody Baron made his appearance in Philosopher’s Stone. Bayler died on 2 August, 2016.
Hazel Douglas (Bathilda Bagshot)Douglas played the historian in Deathly Hallows – Part 1. She died on 8 September, 2016.
Sam Beazley (Professor Everard)Beazley’s moving portrait featured in Order of the Phoenix. He died aged 101 on 12 June, 2017.
Robert Hardy (Cornelius Fudge)The often-flustered Minister of Magic was played by Hardy, who passed on 3 August, 2017.
Largely famed for being Simon Cowell's bodyguard, Adkins also played a role as a giant in The Deathly Hallows: Part Two. He sadly died on April 20, 2025.