Harry Potter Actors Who Will Never Truly Leave Us
Robert Hardy (1925-2017)
Top 10 Robert Downey, Jr. Performances
With almost 70 years of experience under his belt, this classically trained actor’s career spanned theater, TV, and cinema. Hardy played two particular figures multiple times - both government officials. He portrayed U.K. Prime Minister Winston Churchill on several occasions, receiving a BAFTA nomination. He brought a similar authoritative presence to Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge. While usually well-meaning, Fudge makes some of the franchise’s most questionable choices, namely refusing to believe Voldemort has returned until he sees the truth. Fudge may be flawed, but Hardy infused an identifiable, conflicted element that made him feel like a real politician. We wish Fudge’s exit in “The Half-Blood Prince” book made it into the movie, but Hardy nailed his last line in “Order of the Phoenix.”
Verne Troyer (1969-2018)
We were all shocked to hear of this actor’s passing in 2018, having just turned 49. While Mini-Me of “Austin Powers” is his most memorable role, Troyer popped up in a number of other films, including the first “Harry Potter.” Troyer was unrecognizable as Griphook the Gringotts goblin, making him one of the few Americans to land a noteworthy role in the franchise. While Troyer donned the makeup, Griphook’s voice was supplied by Warwick Davis, who’d later fully inherit the role. Speaking of Davis, he repeatedly collaborated with stuntman Paul Grant, who played an uncredited goblin in “Philosopher’s Stone.” It’d be Grant’s last major role before his death in 2023. Troyer also started as a stunt double, but he left this world a recognizable star.
Helen McCrory (1968-2021)
In addition to playing some of the most prominent Shakespearean characters on stage, McCrory was a prolific actress on screen. Initially, she was to make her “Harry Potter” debut in “Order of the Phoenix” as Bellatrix Lestrange. Having a daughter with future husband Damian Lewis, McCrory’s pregnancy required her to walk away from the intense role, allowing Helena Bonham Carter to step in. Since Narcissa Malfoy is Bellatrix’s sister, McCrory was an obvious choice to play Draco’s mother. McCrory strikes just the right note as a matriarch stuck in the middle of the Wizarding War. Narcissa’s true loyalty resides with her family, enabling Harry to defeat Voldemort. Passing away from breast cancer at 52, McCrory left behind significant contributions through her performances and charity work.
Leslie Phillips (1924-2022)
“Harry Potter” fans might not know his face, but they’ll immediately recognize Leslie Phillips’ distinct voice as the Sorting Hat. By the time Harry was placed in Gryffindor, Phillips had already been acting for over 60 years. Outside of Hogwarts, Phillips was best known for his work in the “Carry On” and “Doctor” film series. In the U.K., he’d become synonymous with his catchphrases “ding dong” and “hello.” Gene Kelly, Peter O’Toole, and Angelina Jolie are just some of the names Phillips acted opposite. Phillips’ voiceover work in “Deathly Hallows - Part 2” marked his penultimate performance, his last acting role being in 2012’s “After Death.” Likewise, the late Timothy Bateson’s final performance would be voicing Kreacher the House-Elf in “Order of the Phoenix.”
John Hurt (1940-2017)
Top 10 John Hurt Performances
This two-time Oscar nominee was no stranger to fantasy, voicing Aragorn in the animated “Lord of the Rings,” the Horned King in “The Black Cauldron,” and the Great Dragon in “Merlin.” His most famous contribution to the genre was as Garrick Ollivander. Hurt makes a brief yet essential appearance in “Philosopher’s Stone” as the wand shop owner who notices an unnerving parallel between Harry and the Dark Lord. The scene manages to be whimsical and ominous thanks to Hurt’s presence, making for an iconic moment. Hurt returned in the final two movies, reminding Harry that it’s the wand that chooses the wizard. Whether teaching Harry about the Deathly Hallows or feeling an alien pressing against his insides, Hurt made the most of every role.
Richard Griffiths (1947-2013)
Top 10 Things Richard Jewell Got Factually Right and Wrong
Vernon Dursley never saw his nephew as much more than a nuisance. Behind the scenes, Richard Griffiths formed a close bond with Daniel Radcliffe. When Radcliffe shot his first scene as Harry, Griffiths eased his nerves. Griffiths was there for Radcliffe again several years later when they co-starred in a production of “Equus,” helping the young actor get through his first play. Griffiths won several accolades, including a Tony, for his performance in the stage play “The History Boys,” ironically beating Ralph Fiennes. From Best Picture winners like “Gandhi” to other blockbuster franchises like “Pirates of the Caribbean,” Griffiths always left an impression. As Radcliffe put it, “any room he walked into was made twice as funny and twice as clever just by his presence.”
Richard Harris (1930-2002)
Almost 35 years after starring as King Arthur in “Camelot,” Richard Harris played a character closer to Merlin. The two-time Oscar nominee was initially hesitant to accept the role, but his 11-year-old granddaughter talked him into it. As Albus Dumbledore, Harris brilliantly balanced the headmaster’s wisdom with playful humor. He brought a calm, mysterious allure to the character, making it feel like Dumbledore was always in control, even when he wasn’t. Sadly, “Chamber of Secrets” would mark Harris’ last onscreen film role. In August 2002, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, passing away just a month before the sequel’s release. Dumbledore was nonetheless the role of a lifetime for Harris, who will also be remembered for “Unforgiven,” “Gladiator,” and “The Count of Monte Cristo.”
Michael Gambon (1940-2023)
Michael Myers Vs Leatherface
Several Wizarding World roles had to be recast throughout the years. However, no actor faced a more daunting task than Michael Gambon. Following Richard Harris’ passing, Gambon stepped in as Dumbledore from “Prisoner of Azkaban” onward. Although a particular line delivery in “Goblet of Fire” inspired an infamous meme, Gambon ultimately shined in some of Dumbledore’s coolest, saddest, and most inspiring moments. He accomplished this without impersonating Harris, creating a Dumbledore who was his own. While the four-time BAFTA winner was known for his serious presence on screen and stage, he could be a lovable joker, famously pranking Daniel Radcliffe with a “fart machine.” Described as a “legend” by many of his former co-stars, this Shakespearean actor’s stature matched Dumbledore’s reputation in the Wizarding World.
Robbie Coltrane (1950-2022)
Every Margot Robbie Movie, Ranked from Worst to Best
“Born to play” is a phrase that gets tossed around a lot, but we can’t think of anyone who could’ve done Rubeus Hagrid justice like Robbie Coltrane did. From the night he delivered Harry to the Dursleys to the day he carried Harry’s seemingly dead body back to Hogwarts, Coltrane was pitch-perfect as the gentle half-giant. Just as Coltrane stood tall at 6’ 1”, his range knew few limits with roles in Shakespearean dramas, lighthearted comedies, and action franchises like James Bond. Winning three BAFTAs for his work in the crime drama “Cracker” and receiving a nomination for his performance in “Philosopher’s Stone,” Coltrane was one of a kind. Just as there’s no Hogwarts without Hagrid, we can’t imagine the “Harry Potter” movies without Coltrane.
Alan Rickman (1946-2016)
Top 10 Alan Rickman Performances
With his villainous turns in “Die Hard” and “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” Rickman sounded like the ideal candidate to bring Severus Snape to life. Of course, when Rickman landed the role, readers didn’t know if Snape would be good or evil. Rickman was among the few who knew Snape’s fate. Just as Snape conceals his true nature throughout the series, Rickman kept the secret to himself. While readers learned the truth by the time “Deathly Hallows - Part 2” hit theaters, this didn’t make it any less devastating watching Snape’s origin story unfold. There wasn’t a dry eye when Rickman passed away just a month before his 70th birthday. Yet, his screen presence as Snape and numerous other characters will stay with us… always. Which “Harry Potter” actor will never leave you? Let us know in the comments.
