As a brilliant idea struck J.K Rowling while she was aboard a train to London, the British author didn't expect that Harry Potter - the magic world she created would one day become a pop-culture staple. The franchise adapted from Rowling's books has been estimated to be worth $25 billion, making it one of the most iconic movie franchises to date. Since the first film was released in 2001 and paved the way for a classic-cult franchise, the world has witnessed a myriad of stars rising to fame from starring in the series, such as Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson. Throughout the way, however, we also lost many faces who had completed their part in Harry Potter. Following the much-awaited The Harry Potter Reunion in early 2022, let's pay tribute to ten Harry Potter actors who have passed away after bringing magic to the Hogwarts world.

One of the most iconic roles in the Harry Potter franchise, Professor Severus Snape is as much hated as he is loved by staunch fans of the Hogwarts world. The figure, perfectly portrayed by Alan Rickman, was both the headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and a Death Eater under command of Lord Voldermort. Throughout the series, Snape remained a detestable character whose actions were almost unpredictable, causing great trouble for Harry Potter and his friends. However, as he died in the arms of Voldermort in the seventh chapter, his backstory and lasting love for Muggle-born Lily Evans, Harry's mother was revealed.

Aside from his legendary portrayal of Snape, Rickman also had prominent roles in Die Hard, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Love Actually, and Galaxy Quest among many others. The actor sadly passed away in 2016 at the age of 69 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Following the news of his death, Harry Potter alums and fans around the world paid tribute to the late actor. Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, wrote on Facebook:

'I'm very sad to hear about Alan today. I feel so lucky to have worked and spent time with such a special man and actor. I'll really miss our conversations. RIP Alan. We love you.'

In the Harry Potter franchise, Helen McCrory played the character of Narcissa Malfoy, wife to Death Eater Lucius Malfoy and mother to Draco Malfoy. Despite her character being on Voldermort's dark side, McCrory received critical praise for her performance in the last three chapters of the franchise. Through McCrory's performance, Narcissa Malfoy emerged as a caring mother who always put her family above all.

Aside from her role in the magic franchise, McCrory was also famous for playing the wise Polly Gray in the hit series Peaky Blinders, as well as other roles in Cherie Blair, The Special Relationship, and Skyfall.

Much to her friends and fans' sadness, the actress passed away at her home in London in April after succumbing to cancer. The news of McCrory's death was shared by her husband and fellow actor Damian Lewis. He wrote on Twitter:

'She died as she lived. Fearlessly. God, we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. She blazed so brightly. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.'

Following McCrory's passing, tributes around the world had been paid to the much-respected star.

Veteran actor Richard Griffiths played Harry Potter's despicable Uncle Vernon Dursley in the franchise, appearing in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1. Throughout the series, Dursley emerged as a hateful man who housed Harry in strict manners, such as locking him in the cupboard under the stairs.

Griffiths' long career also saw him take part in other prominent works such as Funny Bones and Vatel, Nobody’s Perfect, A Kind of Living, and several TV films.

Griffiths died in 2013 at the age of 65 due to complications after he underwent heart surgery at University Hospital in Coventry, England. Even though his character was so cruel to Harry in the films, Daniel credited Griffiths as the most influential actor to him while they were filming for the series. The Lost City star said:

'Richard was by my side during two of the most important moments of my career. I was nervous and he made me feel at ease.'

Roger Lloyd Pack played the character of Barty Crouch, Sr., an influential yet detestable British Ministry of Magic official, appearing in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Aside from his role in the Harry Potter installment, Roger Lloyd Pack was also famous as a comedy actor in the U.K, appearing in Only Fools & Horses and The Vicar of Dibley before he rose to prominence as Barty Crouch.

The Sleepless in Peckham star died in 2014 aged 69 due to complications caused by pancreatic cancer. His agent told BBC that the actor 'died at home surrounded by his family'.

English actor Alfred Burke had a minor role in the Harry Potter series, starring as Hogwarts' headmaster, Professor Armando Dippet - Dumbledore's predecessor, in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. That was also the last role he played in a film.

Burke was more famous for his roles in several prominent television series, the most notable of which was the drama series Public Eye. In the ten-year-long series, Burke played detective Frank Master.

Burke passed away in February 2011 at the age of 93. It was revealed that the veteran English actor was diagnosed with a chest infection shortly before his death.

Burke and his wife, Barbara Bonelli, shared two sets of twins – Jacob and Harriet, and Kelly and Louisa, who all survive the late actor.

Sir John Vincent Hurt CBE was one of the most veteran cast members of the Harry Potter franchise, having a glorious career spanning over five decades. Hurt played the character of wandmaker Garrick Ollivander, who gave Harry Potter his first magical wand in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The British actor also appeared in the franchise's final two installments, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part: 1 and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part: 2.

Aside from his role in the franchise, Sir John Hurt was famous for his other prominent works, such as Alien and The Elephant Man.

The Academy Award nominee announced that he had been diagnosed with early-stage pancreatic cancer back in 2015 but would still devote himself to acting. After a long period of treatment and surgeries, Hurt died at his home in Norfolk on 25 January 2017, three days after he celebrated his 77th birthday. Following his death, Harry Potter's author J.K Rowling took to Twitter to pay tribute to the much-respected star:

'So very sad to hear that the immensely talented and deeply beloved John Hurt has died. My thoughts are with his family and friends.'

One of the most experienced Hollywood actors, Irish actor Richard Harris played Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, which also marked his final appearance ever in a film. The Oscar nominee was also well-known for his portrayal of Frank Machin in This Sporting Life and King Arthur in Camelot. In addition to acting, Harris was also a prominent singer, with a number of albums under his belt.

The veteran actor was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease - a type of cancer that develops in the lymph system and causes pneumonia, back in August 2002. Harris died at University College Hospital on 25 October 2002, aged 72. He was survived by his three sons, Damian, Jared, and Jamie. Following Harris' death, Michael Gambon stepped in as the new Dumbledore throughout the rest of the franchise.

Robert Hardy starred as Cornelius Fudge, the Minister for Magic, in the first five Harry Potter films. Hardy boasted a long and successful career in theatre, film, and television. Aside from his Cornelius Fudge role, the acclaimed British actor had other prominent portrayals such as Siegfried Farnon in the BBC television series All Creatures Great and Small, and Winston Churchill in Winston Churchill: The Wilderness Years.

Robert Hardy passed away at the age of 91 in 2017 at Denville Hall, a home for retired actors. The news was shared by the actor's family, who told BBC:

'Gruff, elegant, twinkly, and always dignified, he is celebrated by all who knew him and loved him, and everyone who enjoyed his work.'

American actor and comedian Verne Troyer starred as goblin Griphook, who worked at Gringotts Wizarding Bank, in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

Aside from his role in the Harry Potter film, Troyer's other acting credits included roles in Men in Black, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. His most prominent role came in 1999 when he was cast as Mini-Me in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.

Troyer passed away on April 21, 2018, aged 49. Six months later, official police rulings stated that the actor took his own life after a long fight of alcohol intoxication. His family confirmed the news on Instagram, writing:

'It is with great sadness and incredibly heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today. Verne was an extremely caring individual. He wanted to make everyone smile, be happy, and laugh. Anybody in need, he would help to any extent possible.'

Rik Mayal was one of the most iconic stand-up comedians in the U.K, having starred in numerous critically acclaimed comedy series such as The Young Ones, The Comic Strip Presents, Blackadder, Filthy Rich & Catflap, The New Statesman, Bottom, and Believe Nothing. He played a minor role as Peeves the Poltergeist in his highest-grossing movie, Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone. Although Mayall had filmed at least one scent, it was cut out from the final release after the directors viewed his character as inconsequential to the plot.

Mayall died of a sudden heart attack on 9 June 2014, aged 56 years old. Fellow alternative comedian Charlie Brooker paid tribute to the star following his death, writing:

'I am heartbroken that my comedy idol growing up Rik Mayall has died. He made me want to be a comedian. Rik Mayall was just pure wiry, energetic, unpredictable humor poured into the shape of a human. You couldn't not watch him.'