Gregory Goyle – Josh Herdman
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.
Pansy Parkinson – Scarlett Byrne
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.
Neville Longbottom – Matthew Lewis
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.
Hermione Granger – Emma Watson
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.
Lucius Malfoy – Jason Isaacs
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.
Harry Potter – Daniel Radcliffe
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.
Narcissa Malfoy – Helen McCrory
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. In 2020, McCrory was busy raising over $1 Million for a food charity during the pandemic. Tragically McCrory passed away in 2021, at the age of 52.
Dudley Dursley – Harry Melling
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.
Dean Thomas – Alfred Enoch
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.
Draco Malfoy – Tom Felton
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.
Colin Creevey – Hugh Mitchell
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!
Cedric Diggory – Robert Pattinson
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 TheBatman.
Ron Weasley – Rupert Grint
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.
Albus Dumbledore – Michael Gambon
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.
Petunia Dursley – Fiona Shaw
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.
Professor Flitwick – Warwick Davis
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 – Gary Oldman
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?
Nymphadora Tonks – Natalia Tena
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.
Bill Weasley – Domhnall Gleeson
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.
Barty Crouch Jr. – David Tennant
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.
Rubeus Hagrid – Robbie Coltrane
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.
Minerva McGonagall – Maggie Smith
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.
Mr. Ollivander – John Hurt
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.
Bellatrix Lestrange – Helena Bonham Carter
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 – Ralph Fiennes
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 – Robert Hardy
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.
Vincent Crabbe – Jamie Waylett
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 – Georgina Leonidas
Katie Bell, played by Georgina Leonidas, first appeared in The Half-Blood Prince and returned in TheDeathly 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. – Roger Lloyd Pack
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.
James Potter – Adrian Rawlins
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 – Clémence Poésy
Fleur Delacour, a competitor from another school, was portrayed by Clémence Poésy. She made her first appearance in TheGoblet 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.
Amos Diggory – Jeff Rawle
“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 TheGoblet 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.
Severus Snape – Alan Rickman
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.
Vernon Dursley – Richard Griffiths
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.
Luna Lovegood – Evanna Lynch
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.
Argus Filch – David Bradley
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.
Seamus Finnigan – Devon Murray
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.
Nearly Headless Nick – John Cleese
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.
Mundungus Fletcher – Andy Linden
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.
Dolores Umbridge – Imelda Staunton
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.
Fenrir Greyback – Dave Legeno
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.
