One of the familiar faces from the Harry Potter franchise has left fans stunned after a shocking health scare nearly changed his life forever.
Nick Moran, who portrayed the sinister snatcher Scabior in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Parts 1 and 2, has been quietly recovering from an emergency medical condition that doctors warned could have robbed him of both speech and movement.
The 55-year-old actor, also known for his role in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, had reportedly been experiencing persistent neck pain—something he initially brushed off.
According to friend and podcast host Terry Stone, Moran tried to power through the discomfort until his partner urged him to seek medical help. That decision likely saved his life.
“Nick’s girlfriend was saying, ‘You’ve got to get it checked out,’”
Stone told Daily Mail.
“As a bloke, he said, ‘No, I’ll put some Deep Heat on it.’ But when he finally saw a doctor, he was rushed to A&E for a life-saving operation.”
What followed was a complicated microsurgery involving an incision into Moran’s spine and the removal of four bones in his neck, which were replaced with artificial ones.
The procedure was high-risk due to the number of nerves around the spinal cord, with surgeons warning that failure could mean losing the ability to walk or talk.
“He damaged his neck somehow, and it was affecting his spinal cord and the nerves that control your speech and legs,” Stone explained. “The doctors said he might never walk or talk again. It was traumatic.”
The Criminal Connection podcast host revealed that when Moran came out of surgery, the relief was overwhelming:
“He wasn’t in the best of health going in, but when he came out, I was like, ‘Thank God.’ I think he had decided that he’d rather lose his voice or mobility than lose his life.”
Despite the harrowing experience, Moran’s representatives have confirmed that the surgery was a success and that the actor is now back home continuing his recovery.
“Nick had urgent spinal surgery over a week ago, which carries the usual risks of such procedures. All went well, and he is now on his way to a full recovery,”
his rep told People.
Fans have since flooded social media with messages of support, with many praising his roles and expressing hope for his return to full health.
“He was great in Lock Stock. Hopefully, he can recover,” one wrote. Another added, “A very talented guy. So sorry to hear his plight.”
Although Moran is still wearing a neck brace and “shuffling around like a 100-year-old,” as Stone put it, the actor is already looking forward to getting back to work.
According to his team, he’s preparing to dive into his next film and resume his busy creative schedule.
It’s a powerful reminder of how easily health can take a turn—and how listening to the people closest to us can be the difference between life and loss.
For Nick Moran, it may have been the nudge from a loved one that saved him from the unimaginable.
Featured Image Credit: (Gerardo Mora/Getty Images)(Warner Bros)
