Raise your wands witches and wizards as we remember all the Harry Potter actors that we have lost over the years.

The wizarding world of Harry Potter has brought magic to the lives of no shortage of people.

Since readers young and old were first introduced to the 'boy who lived' - under the stairs at 4 Privet Drive -  fans have been obsessed with the magical world of Harry Potter with seven books and eight films.

It has since become one of the world's most-loved fictional worlds with grown adults still awaiting their letter from Hogwarts.

The Northern Echo: These are some of the Harry Potter actors that we have lost over the years. (Warner Brothers/PA)These are some of the Harry Potter actors that we have lost over the years. (Warner Brothers/PA) (Image: Warner Brothers/PA)

A treasured part of that magic are the actors who have starred in the story's famous films which are based on JK Rowling's bestselling books.

Have a look back at some of the wonderful witches and wizards we have lost over the years as we pay tribute to the magic that they brought to the silver screen.

Harry Potter actors who have died over the years

Sir Michael Gambon

The 'beloved' Irish actor died peacefully in hospital, aged 82, his family has said in a statement on September 28, 2023.

Sir Michael Gambon's career spanned over five decades across TV, film, theatre and radio which earned him four TV Baftas.

Fans will likely know him best for playing the wisest of wizards Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight Harry Potter films.

Alan Rickman

Alan Rickman, who played Slytherin head Severus Snape in the franchise, passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 69.

His family confirmed the news to the BBC in 2016, sharing that "he was surrounded by family and friends."

The Northern Echo: Sir Michael Gambon has died. (Ian West/PA Wire)Sir Michael Gambon has died. (Ian West/PA Wire) (Image: Ian West/PA Wire)

Leslie Phillips

The voice behind the iconic sorting hat, Leslie Phillips, died at the age of 98 in November 2022.

The news was shared by his agent with the BBC who commented that the beloved actor died peacefully in his sleep.

Robbie Coltrane

Robbie Coltrane, who was best known for his portrayal of the Hogwarts groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid, died in October 2022.

The actor, who starred in all eight Harry Potter films, passed away aged 72.

Richard Griffiths

Harry Potter fans will remember Richard Griffiths for his role as Harry Potter's cruel uncle Vernon Dursley.

Griffiths sadly died in 2013, aged 65,  at the University Hospital in Coventry due to complications after heart surgery.

The Northern Echo: Alan Rickman was well known for playing Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films. ( Yui Mok/PA)Alan Rickman was well known for playing Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films. ( Yui Mok/PA) (Image: Yui Mok/PA)

Helen McCrory

Helen McCrory was well known for playing Narcissa Malfoy - the wife of Lucius Malfoy and mother of Draco Malfoy  - in the magical franchise.

McCrory passed away from cancer in April 2021, aged 52, at her home in London.

McCroy's husband and Homeland actor Damian Lewis shared the sad news on Twitter.

Richard Harris

The original Albus Dumbledore, Richard Harris, played the Hogwarts headmaster in the first two films.

The actor died at the age of 72 at the University College of London Hospital in 2002 following a battle with Hodgkin's Disease.

Sir Michael Gambon took over the role of Dumbledore for the remaining films following his passing.

Verne Troyer

Troyer portrayed the goblin Griphook in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - except for his voice which was provided by English actor Warwick Davis.

Troyer died in 2018 with the death being ruled a suicide six months after he passed.

The Northern Echo: Helen McCrory was well known for playing Narcissa Malfoy - the wife of Lucius Malfoy and mother of Draco Malfoy  - in the magical franchise. ( Ian West /PA)Helen McCrory was well known for playing Narcissa Malfoy - the wife of Lucius Malfoy and mother of Draco Malfoy  - in the magical franchise. ( Ian West /PA) (Image: Ian West /PA)

John Hurt

Academy Award-nominated actor John Hurt is well known for playing wand shop owner Garrick Ollivander, particularly in the first film - Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

Although, he did return to the series for Deathly Hallows and Goblet of Fire.

John Hurt passed away in 2017 at the age of 77.

Robert Hardy

Robert Hardy was beloved by Harry Potter fans for playing Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge in four films in the franchise.

The actor died at 91 in 2017 following a "tremendous life" with "a giant career in theatre, television and film spanning more than 70 years", according to his family.

Timothy Bateson

Kreacher the house elf's voice was provided by the British actor Timothy Bateson in the fifth film - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

Bateson died in 2009, aged 83.

Following his death, Simon McBurney took on the part in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.