In the years since the widely-adored Harry Potter movie franchise first hit the silver screen, fans have sadly had to bid farewell to several beloved stars.
Among the list of ‘Wizarding World’ icons who passed before their time are Alan Rickman, who played Severus Snape and died from pancreatic cancer in 2016, Helen McCrory, also lost to the same disease in 2021, Robbie Coltrane, the actor behind Hagrid, and just last year, we said goodbye to Michael Gambon, who portrayed Professor Albus Dumbledore, at the age of 82 due to pneumonia.
However, in 2008, the movie industry was devastated when Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince actor Rob Knox tragically lost his life while trying to protect his younger brother.
In a shocking incident that stunned colleagues and co-stars, it was reported that the 18-year-old Rob Knox, who played student Marcus Belby in the franchise’s sixth movie, was out for a night in Sidcup, London when a bar brawl turned fatal. Trying to intervene after another group began antagonizing his 17-year-old brother, Rob was stabbed to death by 22-year-old Karl Bishop.
As a result, Bishop was found guilty of the murder of the talented young actor and was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 20 years before being considered for parole.
Many tributes poured in from Rob’s family, friends, and fans of the magical movie franchise.
Last year, ITV commissioned a documentary that sheds light on Rob’s achievements and the tragic loss suffered by his loved ones. The award-winning program, released on 23rd February 2023, features interviews with his family, friends, and Harry Potter cast members, including Jim Broadbent, Ray Winstone, Tom Felton, David Yates, Dani Harmer, and Blake Harrison, all paying tribute to his life.
The documentary, produced by Q Cumber Films, follows the story of 18-year-old Rob Knox as he celebrates his breakthrough in Harry Potter, only to receive news that his younger brother has been threatened at knife point. Rob and his friends rush to protect his brother, but during the struggle, Rob is fatally stabbed.
“Now his family must navigate their grief and anger while under the constant scrutiny of the intrusive British media machine. Meanwhile, the number of young lives lost on the streets continues to rise. Something needs to be done.”
