12 Child Actors From Harry Potter Whose Lives Have Changed Since Filming

The filming of Harry Potter lasted for 10 years. Child actors who are in their 30s now devoted a third of their lives to this franchise, but not all of them continued their acting careers — some of them became photographers, musicians, and even jockeys. What are the people who played Luna, Neville, Seamus, and other characters doing now? Let’s find out!

Bright Side wanted to know if the lives of the actors from this franchise have changed since the films. We’re sure that you’ll learn many interesting facts while reading this article.

12. Joshua Herdman (Gregory Goyle)

Joshua Herdman played one of Draco Malfoy’s friends, Gregory Goyle. We hardly recognize this young villain who studied at Slytherin: he’s a mixed martial arts fighter now.

11. Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood)

The role of Luna was a form of treatment for Evanna Lynch. At the age of 11, she was hospitalized due to anorexia. She wrote a letter to J.K. Rowling and told her about her problem, and mentioned that she’d always wanted to play a part in Harry Potter. The writer answered her and they began writing to each other. She ultimately auditioned for the role of Luna in 2006. Evanna managed to shine brighter than 15,000 applicants and got the role even though she wasn’t experienced at acting. After the Harry Potter films, she acted in 6 more movies. Her latest work in a film was a cameo in Madness in the Method.

10. Harry Melling (Dudley Dursley)

Though Harry Melling is the grandson of an actor, he’d never acted in movies before his role as Harry’s nasty cousin. At age 18, Melling lost so much weight that he changed beyond recognition. So to take part in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, he had to wear a suit that made him look a little plumper. The film was a crucial period in Melling’s life: he graduated from a theater school and The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Today, he acts in theatres and takes part in movies and TV series. Most recently he acted in The Devil All the Time and The Tragedy of Macbeth.

9. Devon Murray (Seamus Finnigan)

Devon Murray is originally from Ireland and he’s been acting in movies since he was 6 (he was in This Is My Father, Angela’s Ashes, and Yesterday’s Children before landing the role of Seamus). Murray also loves horseback riding: he takes part in competitions and owns a farm.

8. Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley)

Bonnie Wright decided to go to the audition thanks to her brother — he said she looked like Ginny. After Harry Potter, she starred in 8 films and established her own film company where she works as a screenwriter, film director, and film producer. Additionally, Bonnie is involved in charitable activities.

7. James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley)

James and Oliver Phelps had never acted in films before Harry Potter but they really loved the books about the kid wizard which is why they decided to skip school and go to the audition. Today, they act in movies and do charity work.

6. Stanislav Ianevski (Viktor Krum)

Stanislav Ianevski, from Bulgaria, played the role of a student from Durmstrang, the Northern wizarding school. Stanislav also acted in several films and TV projects. His latest work was a role in Last Man Down in 2021.

5. Sean Biggerstaff (Oliver Wood)

In the Harry Potter films, Sean played Oliver Wood, the captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Alan Rickman worked with Sean in the film The Winter Guest, so he recommended the boy for the role. Today, Biggerstaff continues to build his acting career.

4. Luke Youngblood (Lee Jordan)

Luke played Lee Jordan, an enthusiastic member of Gryffindor whose main role was to keep the audience up to speed on how the teams were doing during the school Quidditch matches. At age 35, he’s already starred in several TV series (like Glee and Lie to Me). He also does work in theatre and sings.

3. Hugh Mitchell (Colin Creevey)

The role of this small Harry Potter fan was a first for Hugh. Later, he took part in 19 films and series. Today, he’s a photographer, just like his character Colin.

2. Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom)

Little Matthew Lewis managed to land the role of the quirky Longbottom. The actor was as unlucky as his character during the shoot: he had to wear fake teeth, plastic pads behind his ears, and a suit that made him appear fatter. And once, Helena Bonham Carter accidentally perforated his eardrum and he couldn’t hear for a few days. Nowadays, Matthew is continuing his acting career and played a part in Me Before You. He also got married to Angela Jones, a VIP event manager at Universal Studios.

1. Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy)

In the film, Draco was Harry’s enemy, but in real life, Tom Felton was a friend of Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint. Emma Watson even confessed that he was her first love. Unfortunately, it wasn’t mutual. Before taking part in Harry Potter, Tom played parts in movies and sang in the choir. As of now, he is a musician and plays in films and TV series.

Who impressed you the most? Who is your favorite actor from the wizarding world of Harry Potter? Tell us in the comments!