Our Favorite Stars from the Harry Potter Films and Where They Are Today

Unlike other Harry Potter actors, Evanna Lynch had no acting experience before she was cast as Luna Lovegood in the last four films. She was obsessed with the books and began letter correspondence with J. K. Rowling about it as a child. After the movies ended, the Irish actress played roles in My Name Is Emily, Danny, The Human Zoo, and Madness in the Method. She also made it to the finale of Dancing with the Stars. She is now an activist focusing on animal rights.

Gregory Goyle may have been a gormless goon in the Harry Potter films, but Josh Herdman is a mixed martial artist in real life. He followed in his father Martin Herdman’s footsteps by becoming an actor but also pursuing a separate career. While his father was a Rugby league footballer, Josh chose to learn MMA. However, he is also still an actor, with roles in the 2018 Robin Hood film as well as British detective series Marcella and action TV series Alex Rider.

Scarlett Byrne began her acting career long before she was cast as supporting character Pansy Parkinson. The character was a mean Slytherin character, featuring in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2. She’s since starred in Falling Skies, Runaways, The Vampire Diaries, and Skybound. Byrne is now working on Stick and Poke, a short film about the art of the hand-poked tattoo. She is also expecting her first child with Playboy heir Cooper Hefner, who she married in November 2019.

Matthew Lewis landed the role of Neville Longbottom when he was 12 years old, although he started acting when he was five. An awkward, clumsy boy in the first few movies, Neville Longbottom magically transformed into one of the bravest of Gryffindor. The actor shocked fans with his real-life glow up from a goofy-looking kid to a poster boy. He has since starred in The Syndicate, Bluestone 42, Me Before You, and Terminal. He even starred in the music video of “Filth” by A Band of Buriers.

Muggle-born Hermione Granger, the brightest and most compassionate witch of her age, was played by Emma Watson to critical acclaim. After the Harry Potter movies, Emma Watson went on to star in movies such as The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Bling Ring, Beauty and the Beast, and Little Women. During this time, she also succeeded in getting a bachelor’s degree in English literature and launching the HeForShe campaign as a UN Women Goodwill ambassador. She calls for boys and men to advocate gender equality.

Jason Isaacs is great at playing criminals. He played the aristocrat patriarch Lucius Malfoy to chilling perfection in the Harry Potter films, with his luscious mane of white-blonde hair, ornamental cane, and condescending voice. Like Evanna Lynch, Jason Isaacs also loved the books, having read four of them in one sitting. Since Harry Potter, he has starred in The Patriot, Brotherhood, and The Death of Stalin, all as villains. He has also been in TV shows such as Awake, Dig, and Scoob.

Daniel Radcliffe became Harry Potter at the age of 11, and his life was changed forever. The role would bring him fame and fortune, but also criticism. As a child, his performance in the third film was criticized as “wooden” and “bland” but by the fifth movie, he was winning awards for it. Radcliffe has since taken on many different types of roles, starring in movies like horror sci-fi Victor Frankenstein and comedy-dramas like Swiss Army Man, proving himself to be a versatile actor.

Like Robbie Coltrane, British actress Helen Elizabeth McCrory was also appointed an OBE. She has also been in a James Bond film. McCrory played supporting character Narcissa Malfoy in the final three Harry Potter movies. But it is her role as Polly Gray in Peaky Blinders that has won her critical acclaim. She has also starred in movies like The Queen, The Special Relationship, Charlotte Gray, Fearless, and MotherFatherSon. Right now, McCrory is busy raising over $1 Million for a food charity during the 2020 pandemic.

His role as spoiled cousin Dudley Dursley might not have made the best use of his acting abilities, but Harry Melling comes from a family lineage of actors. He has since lost weight, which has left him free to pursue roles very different from that of Dudley Dursley. He has since played in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, delivering a performance that won him critical acclaim. Melling has also made appearances in films like The Lost City of Z, and fantasy shows like Merlin.

Alfred Enoch took on the role of Dean Thomas when he was only 13 years old. After the Harry Potter films, the English-Brazilian actor gained fame and recognition by playing the main role of Wes Gibbins in the legal drama How to Get Away with Murder. He has been in several Shakespeare plays, from Timon of Athens and Coriolanus to King Lear. He has also starred in Trust Me and is now working on Provisional Measure.

What Harry Potter is to Gryffindor, Draco Malfoy is to Slytherin. Arguably his darkest moment came in The Half-Blood Prince when he helped lure Dumbledore to his demise. To be fair though, it was all part of a deeper plan against Voldemort, so we guess we can forgive him a little. Felton might not have been able to eclipse the fame set by his role as Draco, but he has appeared in other huge blockbuster film franchises, including the recent Planet of the Apes reboot series.

Remember the kid photographer who was obsessed with Harry, and wouldn’t miss a chance to fanboy over him? Yes, we’re talking about Colin Creevey! He represented all of us Potterheads in the film. Actor Hugh Mitchell, in his post-Potter era, has maintained a low key acting career, appearing as Silas in The Da Vinci Code and some other British hits like Wallander, The White Queen, and more. Hugh remained loyal to Colin’s photography passion, which is evident in his Instagram account!

Robert Pattinson may have been mocked for taking on the role of vampire Edward Cullen in The Twilight Saga, but he was praised for his role as handsome Hufflepuff prefect Cedric Diggory before that in Harry Potter. Since then, he’s had a remarkable acting career. He has quickly established himself as a serious actor through stellar performances in movies like Remember Me, Water for Elephants, and The Lighthouse. His latest role will be that of Bruce Wayne in the upcoming The Batman.

Let’s face it – Harry Potter wouldn’t have achieved half of the things he did without his best friend, Ron Weasley. The quintessential sidekick from the most loveable family in the entire story was by Harry’s side every step of the way and even ended up with Hermione when everything was said and done. These days, Rupert Grint is slowly building a reputation as a well-respect actor, having most recently appeared on shows such as Sick Note, Snatch, and Servant.

Sir Michael John Gambon played the role of Professor Albus Dumbledore in the last few Harry Potter movies. He played the legendarily powerful wizard with a keen mind and kind heart to perfection. To see what he looks like under the long white mane and beard, the British-Irish actor can be found in The King’s Speech, Fortitude, Judy, and Cordelia. He looks so different when he’s shaved. He is now playing in a movie about James Joyce called James and Lucia.

Irish actress Fiona Shaw played Aunt Petunia Dursley in the Harry Potter movies. She expertly elicited profound dislike by mistreating her nephew Harry Potter, who she loathed because he came from the magical world that she could not be a part of. Her sensational performances in Killing Eve, which won her a BAFTA, and in Fleabag have collected her many new fans and gotten her two Emmy nominations.

English actor Warwick Davis sounds like a wizard himself, but he was named Professor Flitwick in the Harry Potter movies, playing the Charms Master of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He has starred as an Ewok in Return of the Jedi and as a leprechaun in the Leprechaun film series. Born with a rare form of dwarfism, Warwick Davis went on to create talent agency Willow Management to ensure that actors under five feet were properly represented.

Sirius Black was played by Gary Oldman, a fearful wizard with a tortured past due to the years he spent in Azkaban, the wizarding prison. He has starred in more than 50 movies. No one really knows what Gary Oldman looks like because he’s so great at transforming his appearance to resemble the character he is portraying. Notable examples include his villainous portrayals in True Romance, The Fifth Element, Air Force One, The Contender, and Léon: The Professional. Can we add Sirius Black to that list?

Metamorphmagus Nymphadora Tonks was an Auror who fell in love with werewolf Remus Lupin and died alongside him in the final war. She liked to wear her hair short, spiky and bubble-gum colored and also preferred being called by her surname only. Nymphadora Tonks was one of the coolest characters in Harry Potter, made even cooler because she was played by real-life musician Natalia Tena, lead singer of Molotov Jukebox. Besides this role, she has acted in some pretty big roles. This includes her part as the wildling Osha in the much-talked-about TV series Game of Thrones.

Domhnall Gleeson might only be in his 30s, but the Irish actor already has several award-winning films under his belt. Of course, he gained worldwide recognition as Bill Weasley, the oldest, coolest and most attractive of the Weasley siblings. He’s also starred in About Time, Anna Karenina, Never Let Me Go, Frank and Unbroken, to name but a few. This year, he is starring in the comedy series Run. Although he has been named as one of Ireland’s greatest actors, he might still feel overshadowed by his father, actor Brendan Gleeson.

David Tennant needs no introduction if you’re a Doctor Who fan, but did you know that he played the villainous Barty Crouch Jr. in the Harry Potter movies? If you don’t remember, Barty Crouch Jr. was a Death Eater who disguised himself as Alastor Moody to lure Harry Potter to his demise. Another villain the Scottish actor is famous for is Kilgrave in Marvel’s Jessica Jones, which is about a fictional superhero. He has also starred in Broadchurch, where he plays police detective Alec Hardy.

Robbie Coltrane played the role of gentle, lovable, loyal half-giant Rubeus Hagrid. J. K. Rowling personally requested him to play the part. Rubeus Hagrid may have made him an international star, but both before and after Harry Potter, the Scottish Actor also held prominent roles in other movies, such as two James Bond movies, Brave, Great Expectations, and National Treasure. He now has a son and a daughter and has received an OBE from the Queen.

Academy Award winner Maggie Smith has had so many fulfilling roles on English stage, film, and television over the years that, in 1990, Queen Elizabeth II made her a Dame. She played Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film franchise and Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey. She has said that she is grateful for these roles but they weren’t creatively challenging enough for her. It might be because she keeps getting cast as a “spiky elderly lady”. She is now working on A Boy Called Christmas.

John Hurt, who played the mysterious Mr. Ollivander, is one of the Harry Potter actors who is no longer with us. With two Oscar nominations and a Golden Globe in his bag, he didn’t stop after playing his role of Mr. Ollivander in the Harry Potter franchise. With over 200 acting credits, the immortal John Hurt might have portrayed the most fictional characters out of all Harry Potter actors, leaving behind a huge legacy.

Helena Bonham Carter has had an impressive career both before and after her portrayal of the villainous Bellatrix Lestrange in the Harry Potter movies. Her eccentric aura and unusual expressions have made her famous for her roles in many Tim Burton movies. These included Alice in Wonderland and its sequel, Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride, Dark Shadows, Planet of the Apes, and Sweeney Todd. She has received dozens of awards and nominations for her show-stopping performances.

Lord Voldemort was the most frightening villain for most children born in the 1990s. He was portrayed convincingly creepily by Ralph Fiennes. Lord Voldemort might have been referred to as “He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named,” but the English actor can also not be named, because his full name amounts to Ralph Nathaniel Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes. Along with Harry Potter, he has delivered great performances in Schindler’s List and The English Patient. Fiennes has also appeared in other notable films, such as In Bruges, The Reader, and The Grand Budapest Hotel.

Cornelius Fudge, played by Robert Hardy, was a powerful Minister of Magic with full control over the main governing body of the wizarding world of Harry Potter. However, Robert’s role as a political figure was not limited to the Harry Potter franchise. He was known for several portrayals of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill as their resemblance was uncanny. Following a successful 70-year-long career playing remarkable roles, from Shakespeare’s Henry V to Siegfried Farnon in All Creatures Great and Small, Robert Hardy passed away in August 2017.

We meet Vincent Crabbe in the first movie of the series, as Draco introduces his clueless companions to Harry. What started as a harmless banter between the two trios, eventually ended up killing Crabbe in the seventh film. Unfortunately, with Crabbe, Jamie Waylette’s career in showbiz ended. The young actor got himself into trouble, and the law got involved. He served two years in prison and has been keeping a low profile ever since.

Katie Bell, played by Georgina Leonidas, first appeared in The Half-Blood Prince and returned in The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 to win the hearts of thousands with her short yet remarkable performance portraying torture at the hands of the Opal Necklace. She went on to pursue a career in acting after Harry Potter and won well-deserved fame. She is best known for her performance in the TV show The Basil Brush, among other shows, including Holby City, Father Brown, and more.

Barty Crouch Sr was a ruthless wizard known to fight fire with fire. Roger Lloyd Pack has done an excellent job in the portrayal of this character. The actor is also known for his performances in Only Fools and Horses and The Vicar of Dibley. He is another star who the acting community has lost along the way. After serving the entertainment industry with hundreds of performances over the span of five decades, Roger passed away in January 2014.

Harry Potter’s late father James Potter is played by British Actor Adrian Rawlins. James Potter and his wife Lily Potter’s lives were tragically ended by Lord Voldemort in front of their infant son, Harry. He was part of the Marauders. Adrian Rawlins has had a prolific career since. He has starred in 29 films/TV shows, including Chernobyl and The Woman in Black, although the Harry Potter series is the most successful one he’s had a role in to date.

Fleur Delacour, a competitor from another school, was portrayed by Clémence Poésy. She made her first appearance in The Goblet of Fire, the fourth film of the franchise. This French actress has remained consistent with her work after the series was over. She worked in a number of films, including In Bruges, Heartless, and 127 Hours. However, her career expands beyond the film industry. She has featured in several magazines, both French and international. Her latest film Tenet, which was directed by Christopher Nolan, is to be released in the summer of 2020.

“That’s my son! That’s my boy!” are the cries that we remember all too well. Jeff Rawle does not get nearly enough credit for how much he stole the scene in The Goblet of Fire, as he portrays Amos Diggory reacting to his child’s passing. His performance makes our hearts ache to this day. Active since the 1970s, Jeff Rawle has performed in numerous films and television shows. His best works include Drop the Dead Donkey, Hollyoaks, and Billy Liar.

Alan Rickman had made quite a name for himself with his appearance in Die Hard, Galaxy Quest, and Sense and Sensibility. He later rose to the top of his game for his portrayal of Severus Snape, an uptight potions professor in Harry Potter. He managed to make the whole audience cry as Snape sacrificed his life for Harry in the eighth film of the series. Tragic news surfaced in January 2016 when Rickman, after years of fighting pancreatic cancer, passed away.

While many of us know Richard Griffiths as Uncle Vernon, he was well-known way before the Harry Potter franchise due to his notable performances in Gandhi, Sleepy Hollow, and more. He even made some remarkable appearances while filming Harry Potter, including films like Lost in Love, and Bedtime Stories. After Harry Potter, Griffiths joined Pirates of the Caribbean, another major franchise. Griffiths passed away in 2013 following complications from cardiac surgery. His final role was in About Time.

The man who terrifies the hallways of Hogwarts, for better or worse, Argus Filch was introduced to us in the first film of the franchise. We have been witness to David Bradley’s exceptional performances time and again; from Argus Filch to Walder Frey. He is currently working on the television series Great British Menu as a guest judge. He is also lending his voice to Mister Gepetto in an upcoming animated movie adaptation of Pinocchio.

Devon Murray’s journey with Harry Potter had a dramatic beginning. The young actor had almost simultaneously won two roles, one in Harry Potter and one in Gangs of New York. Thank Goodness he was chosen for the former! He has worked on a few other projects while working on the franchise. However, he did not pursue acting after his Harry Potter years. Murray does remain connected with his fans through social media to this day.

John Cleese’s character “Nearly Headless Nick” may have been largely overlooked in the Harry Potter films, but his humorous portrayal of the Gryffindor ghost was entertaining to those who did notice. It was especially amusing when he tried but failed to join the Headless Hunt. In real life, John Cleese co-founded the surreal comedy troupe Monty Python. He has played in Monty Python’s Flying Circus, as well as three Monty Python films and the immensely successful Fawlty Towers series.

Although not the most beloved character in the series, Andy Linden made sure to make the best use of what little screen time he was given in portraying the powerful influence of Mundungus Fletcher in the storyline. His acting career began in the mid-1990s and he remains active till today. He has worked on numerous films and television shows including Oliver Twist, Stella, Count Arthur Strong, The Visitor, Not Going Out, and many more.

Fans who have read Harry Potter first and loved to hate the villain Dolores Umbridge were absolutely satisfied by Imelda Staunton’s performance in the films. She is just how we imagined the character would be and more! After the perfect portrayal, Imelda received numerous offers to star in theater roles and films. She was nominated for an Olivier Award five times. As we know, fifth time’s the charm! She finally won an award for her performance in Gypsy.

You cannot relate the real-life Dave Legeno to his werewolf character Fenrir Greyback, but that does not change the fact that Dave is a brilliant actor! In his short-lived career of only twenty years, Dave had worked on some successful movies and TV shows, including Batman Begins, The Raven, Bonded by Blood, and, finally, Last Knights, before tragically passing away in 2014 due to heatstroke. Dave is another talent we lost too soon.

Fred Weasley of the iconic Weasley Twins was portrayed by James Phelps. The duo, one day, decided to skip school to attend the Harry Potter auditions. Aren’t we all beyond thankful that they did?! The roles were so consistent with their personalities that they only had to dye their hair from brown to ginger and were set to go! James’ acting career expanded beyond the franchise. He continues to perform in TV shows and films to this day, fusing mischief, comedy and brilliance.

Oliver Phelps is the other twin who portrayed George Weasley, alongside his brother James. And they have “mischief managed” their way into our hearts. The famous duo found it difficult to work individually even after the series ended and continued working alongside each other starring in shows and films, like Kingdom, Danny and the Human Zoo, and more. However, Oliver eventually decided to quit acting and is now pursuing travel and sports blogging, creating web content.

Bulgarian actor Stanislav Yanevski played the role of Victor Krum. He made his first appearance in The Goblet of Fire and immediately won a lot of the ladies’ hearts with his strong build. We all watched in awe as he took stunning Hermione to the Yule Ball. Yanevski has had quite a low profile acting career after Harry Potter. He appeared in only nine episodes of the TV show Undercover and three episodes of Sofia Residents in Excess. He is supposed to attend LeakyCon Orlando this summer.

If there was anything consistent in the Harry Potter franchise, it has to be the fact that they would bring a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher in every movie. Kenneth was brought in on The Chamber of Secrets, and he was one of the most notable additions to the franchise’s crew of British actors. Besides his role in Harry Potter, he directed and starred in a number of Shakespearean adaptations, including Henry V, Othello, Hamlet, and more, winning numerous nominations for Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.

This fierce wolf might have seemed like an enemy of Harry’s in The Prisoner of Azkaban, but Remus soon became a close ally. Funnily enough, David Thewlis actually auditioned to play Peter Pettigrew but ultimately landed the part of Remus instead. Since his time as Remus, Thewlis has stayed very busy in both film and TV, appearing in movies such as Wonder Woman. He also had a prominent role in season three of Fargo as the villain VM Varga. Thewlis will also star in Avatar 3.

Early on in the story, Harry actually develops a close bond with Cho Chang, so much so that in The Order of the Phoenix, they end up having a pretty steamy kiss! Right in front of Cedric Diggory’s picture as well! Truth be told, the Harry Potter films are the biggest features that Chang has been a part of. Though she did have a minor role in the film T2 Trainspotting as a nurse. She has also done a lot of theater work since.

Who could forget good old Peter Pettigrew? This seemingly friendly individual ends up revealing himself as the guy who can transform into a rat and ultimately helped Voldermort come back into power. Since hanging up his rat suit, Spall has starred in films such as Alice Through the Looking Glass. His role in the film Mr. Turner also earned him many accolades. Spall will reprise the voice role of Nick in the upcoming sequel to the classic animation film Chicken Run.

It’s not just Domhnall Gleeson who was involved in the Harry Potter series. His dad, Brendan Gleeson, had an even more integral role in the films, playing the eccentric Mad-Eye Moody. Sadly, Alastor passes in The Deathly Hallows Part 1 while helping Harry in the Battle of the Seven Potters. While his sons have nearly eclipsed him in terms of fame, Brendan Gleeson has still remained busy in the world of acting. The Irish star has appeared in movies such as Calvary, Edge of Tomorrow, and Paddington 2, to name a few!

Best remembered for her crazy eyes, Sybill Trelawney is the Divination teacher who first appears in The Prisoner of Azkaban. She also appears in The Order of the Phoenix, as well as The Deathly Hallows Part 2. Shortly after concluding her role as Sybill, Emma Thompson landed the role of Agent O in the blockbuster Men in Black III. Since then, she has starred in films such as Saving Mr. Banks and Bridget Jones’s Baby. She will also star in the movie Cruella.

Upon first glance, Horace Slughorn seems like a friendly wizard, which he is. But it is soon revealed that the potions master was responsible for telling Voldemort about Horcruxes when he was a student. Since Harry Potter, Jim Broadbent also landed a minor role on another fantasy series, but this time, on TV. He played Archmaester Ebrose in Season 7 of Game of Thrones. He has also starred in movies such as Brooklyn, Paddington, and most recently, an adaptation of King Lear.

While many fans of the books and the movies were hoping for Harry to end up with Hermione, it kind of ended up making sense when it was actually Ron’s sister, Ginny Weasley, who would ultimately steal his heart. Unlike many of her co-stars from the Harry Potter film franchise, Bonnie Wright hasn’t exactly built on her acting career since her time as Ginny Weasley. However, she has been keeping fairly busy directing a variety of music videos.

While Ralph Fiennes was unforgettable as Lord Voldemort, there was also some talented child actors who played younger versions of the dark lord. One of these was Hero Fiennes Tiffin, who is actually the nephew of Ralph! A few years after his time as Tom Riddle, Hero Fiennes Tiffin actually starred alongside Kathrine Langford’s sister Josephine in the romantic drama After. Despite the film being slammed by critics, it was a commercial success and Tiffin will star in the upcoming sequels.

This pureblood witch is responsible for arguably the biggest wizarding family in the entire story – the Weasleys. Molly is a strong character who ends up vanquishing Bellatrix Lestrange in The Deathly Hallows Part 2. Until this very day, Julie Walters has managed to stay relevant in the world of acting, having starred in films such as Brooklyn, Paddington 2, and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. She most recently starred in a remake of The Secret Garden, which also starred the likes of Colin Firth.

To be fair, Rhys Ifans appears pretty late in the game, playing Xenophilius Lovegood in The Deathly Hallows Part 1. It is here though that he teaches Harry about the symbol that the movie is named after, so he plays a pretty important role in the plot. Shortly after his time in the Harry Potter series, Ifans had roles in films such as The Five Year Engagement and The Amazing Spider-Man. In 2021, he will star as Rasputin (of all people) in The King’s Man.

Before becoming known Ministry of Magic employee Reginald Cattermole in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, actor Steffan Rhodri was known for another profession – bus driver. The Welsh actor is well-known for his role as bus driver Dave Coaches in the BBC Three sitcom, Gavin & Stacey. Though he is remembered for that comedic role, Rhodri is quite the versatile actor. He was most recently in Netflix’s The Last Kingdom and the horror film Don’t Breathe 2.

Actor Nick Moran seems to excel at playing the bad guy. Known as Eddie the card shark in Guy Ritchie’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, he took on another dark role as a Snatcher named Scabior in both parts of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Moran is one of England’s most celebrated actors with an extensive resume. From theater to directing, Moran has played a major role in British cinema. He was most recently seen in the action film Nemesis and recently directed the film Creation Stories.

There aren’t many actors who would be able to pull off the role of a character named The Fat Friar, but veteran actor Simon Fisher Becker is extremely talented. Though the jovial ghost of the Hufflepuff House is mentioned throughout the book series, he only appears in the film version of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Simon Fisher Becker has acted in a variety of roles including on the cult sci-fi show Doctor Who. He has most recently voiced the character Agent Tony Simon/Dracmar on the sci-fi radio drama The Hawk Chronicles.

Most Harry Potter fans recognize Lee Jordan as the prankster and Quidditch game commentator of the Harry Potter series. Though he was frequently seen sporting the colors of the Gryffindor house, Youngblood is quite interested in fashion. After starring in the fantasy films, he appeared on the fashion reality show Project Catwalk and attended the London College of Fashion. He has recently voiced characters in the films, Baby Shark’s Big Show and Do, Re & Mi.

Though Lily Potter only appears briefly in the film adaptation of the Harry Potter series, she plays a pivotal role in the story. As the mother of Harry Potter, Lily’s spirit provides him with strength and comfort. Lily Potter is played by Irish actress Geraldine Somerville. Since taking part in Harry Potter, she has starred in Kiss Me First,  The Gentlemen, and Christmas in the Highlands.

Though she may have appeared young as the pigtail-sporting ghost haunting the bathrooms at Hogwarts, Moaning Myrtle was actually played by seasoned actress Shirley Henderson. The award-winning Scottish actress played the role of Moaning Myrtle in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and reprised her role in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Since then, Henderson has appeared in a variety of television and film productions including lending her voice to Star Wars: The Rise of the Skywalker. She will soon appear in the thriller See How They Run.

Though many younger fans recognize actress Miriam Margolyes as the dowdy professor of herbology in the Harry Potter films, Margolyes is one of the most Britain’s most accomplished actresses. Margolyes is an award-winning actress with an impressive stage and screen background. Known for her voice, she has recorded many audiobooks and has voiced many commercials and animated characters. She has appeared in the BBC One drama, Call the Midwife, and the documentary Miriam and Alan: Lost in Scotland. She most recently appeared in Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears.

Olympe Maxime is introduced in the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire as the elegant, yet intimidating, headmistress of the French wizarding school, Beauxbatons Academy. Played by veteran stage and film actress, Frances de la Tour, her character is hard to forget. After reprising her role in the first part of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, she has continued to work steadily in television and film. In 2016, she starred in the historical drama Outlander. She most recently appeared in the British crime drama Professor T.

Known for his deep voice and intense screen presence, it’s no surprise that actor Ralph Ineson was cast as the sadistic Death eater, Professor Amycus Carrow. In the final three Harry Potter films, Carrow attempts to destroy Hogwarts and bring chaos to the wizarding world. It seems that Ralph Ineson has made a career out of playing similarly dark characters. Since appearing in the Harry Potter series, he has starred in HBO’s Game of Thrones and Chernobyl. He will soon appear in the upcoming film, The Northman.

Initially known for her being infatuated with fellow Gryffindor, Harry Potter, Romilda Vane later shows her worth during the Battle of Hogwarts. Played by British actress, Anna Shaffer, Vane appears in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and both parts of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Though young, Shaffer has already appeared in a variety of film and television roles. After starring in the Harry Potter films, Shaffer has most recently been seen in another fantasy book adaptation – The Witcher.

Although Afshan Azad’s performance in the Harry Potter franchise was short-lived, she did justice to the shy character of Padma Patil. Fans were saddened as she decided to stop pursuing acting after Harry Potter. In her defense, she fell victim to domestic issues with her own brother and had to manage her personal life. However, she maintained a good relationship with the cast, and fellow actors Bonnie Wright and Kattie Leung even attended her wedding in 2018.

Shefali Chowdhury portrayed Parvati Patil in three of the eight Harry Potter films. She made her first appearance in The Goblet of Fire, looking stunning for the Yule Ball. She later returned for The Order of the Phoenix and The Half-Blood Prince. Like the actor of her in-film twin sister, Azad, Shefali too did not continue with her acting career. Her roles after Harry Potter include only three short films, two of which were released in 2015 and one in 2019.

Harry Potter’s first villain! Ian Hart or, as we call him, Professor Quirrell, did a tremendous job in portraying a nervous yet determined villain who was ready to take on the magical world. Although Quirrell’s mission in the franchise failed, his acting career has remained quite successful to this day. Hart has performed in some recognizable TV shows since his last appearance in the Harry Potter franchise including Bates Motel, The Terror, The Bridge, and more.

Kelly Macdonald first appeared in the last movie of the franchise The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 as the Grey Lady or Helena Ravenclaw. She made our list for her brilliant performance and her notable contribution to the plot in a very short time. Kelly’s acting career began in 1996 and she has delivered some amazing characters since then. She is known for her roles in Brave, Black Mirror, and Intermission. She also performed in the 2005 film The Girl in the Cafe, and won an Emmy Award for it.

Bill Nighy made a cameo in The Deathly Hallows: Part 1. Although his performance was brief, it was impactful. We’ve all watched at least one other film starring Bill Nighy, whether we know it or not! This English actor was first widely recognized for his role in a mini-series The Men’s Room in 1991 and has had a tremendous career working in theatre, film, and television ever since. Some of his notable works include Pirates of the Caribbean, Love Actually, and Underworld.