Fellow wizards and witches, please raise your wands 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.
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
Dame Maggie Smith
The British star, known for prominent roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, as well as her Academy Award-winning performance as The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie, died in hospital on Friday morning, her sons said.
Born in Ilford, Essex, on December 28, 1934, she was an internationally recognised actress for much of her life after playing the fanatical teacher Jean Brodie in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie.
She also won over Harry Potter fans later in life, when she appeared in the film series as the quick-witted, kind and formidable Professor McGonagall.
And in 2010 she was central to the success of ITV series Downton Abbey, in her Emmy-award winning role as the acerbic Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, which she continued to play in the films.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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