Harry Potter: Alan Rickman to Michael Gambon, beloved actors from the franchise we have lost so far

Harry Potter stars we have lost: Michael Gambon and Alan Rickman

The Harry Potter franchise has been a big part of the life of thousands of millennials across the globe. Each character, and by extension, the actor playing those roles, received a lot of love from fans of the movie franchise based on JK Rowling's books. Fans are in mourning at the moment, after the passing of actor Michael Gambon, who played the iconic role of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight Harry Potter films.

More than two dozen actors from the Potter films have died in the two decades since the franchise began. Below are some of the other memorable cast members who have also passed away.

Richard Harris

The Irish actor gained acclaim for his role as Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), the latter of which was his final film role. He passed away in October 2002, aged 72.

Michael Gambon

The 82-year-old actor died in hospital after contracting pneumonia, reports Mirror.co.uk. In a statement, his family said, "We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon. Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia. Michael was 82. We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love."

The Irish-British actor enhanced his stardom through his role of Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter film series from 2004 to 2011, replacing Richard Harris following his death in 2002.

Alan Rickman

The English actor and director was known for his distinctive deep, languid voice. He played Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series (2001-2011), and during this time he also appeared in Love Actually (2003), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007) and Alice in Wonderland (2010). Rickman died at the age of 69 in 2016 following a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Robbie Coltrane

The Scottish actor gained worldwide recognition in the 2000s for playing Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter film series. Coltrane was a fan favorite, having played Hagrid in all eight of the films in the franchise. The actor died in 2022 at the age of 72.

Richard Griffiths

Richard Thomas Griffiths was an English actor of film, television, and stage. Griffiths starred as Harry's uncle Vernon Dursley in the Potter films. He died at the age of 65 in 2013 following complications after surgery.