The Harry Potter franchise is one of the biggest pop culture phenomena to ever exist. Seven amazing books, eight killer movies, attractions in amusement parks, and a whole new spin-off series to keep the magic going. Harry Potter has been in the public zeitgeist since the first book was published in 1997. And from that first book, leading to an equally popular film franchise, launched (or bolstered) the careers of several actors and actresses. Many of those actors started as just children, and we got to see them grow up throughout the films. However, following the end of Harry Potter, what have they all been up to now?
Daniel Radcliffe – Harry Potter
Daniel Radcliffe was discovered as a result of the Harry Potter films. Since his time as Harry Potter came to an end, he hasn’t given up on acting. He’s appeared in several movies such as Horns and Swiss-Army Man, the anthology series Miracle Workers, and productions on Broadway. He’s been doing very well for himself, even if he’s not in the spotlight nearly as much anymore.
Bonnie Wright – Ginny Weasley
Bonnie Wright’s time in Harry Potter also opened the door up for her career. While she was originally the cute, little sister of Ron Weasley, Wright’s only been in a few other films, but has also become a model, activist, and director.
Rupert Grint – Ron Weasley
Rupert Grint hasn’t been in the public eye as much as some other cast members from Harry Potter, but he is still acting. He’s done a few voice roles, such as in The Unbeatables and Postman Pat, as well as appearing in Enemy of Man and Moonwalkers. He also appeared in Ed Sheeran’s music video for his song Lego House.
Tom Felton – Draco Malfoy
Felton’s career after Harry Potter hasn’t been incredibly consistent, but after being in eight of the biggest films of all time, he shouldn’t really need to be. He appeared in a more minor role in Rise of the Planet of the Apes, as well as making regular appearances in the third season of The Flash.
Evanna Lynch – Luna Lovegood
Luna Lovegood first appeared in Order of the Phoenix, the five installment in the Harry Potter series. And Evanna Lynch’s portrayal made her one of the most beloved characters in the entire series. She’s appeared in a few movies over the years, such as GBF and Monster Butler.
David Thewlis – Remus Lupin
David Thewlis was already a famous actor before appearing in Harry Potter as the werewolf, Remus Lupin. One of the most notable was when he appeared as Ares in 2017’s hit film, Wonder Woman.
Stanislav Ianevski – Viktor Krum
Ianevski only appeared in one film as Viktor Krum, but he’s managed to appear in a wide range of films and television series as “the muscle”. His most notable roles were as Miroslav in Hostel: Part II and Angel Yakimov in Undercover.
Maggie Smith – Minerva McGonagall
One of the most well-respected actors in Great Britain, Dame Maggie Smith brought an appropriate level of gravitas as Minerva McGonagall. Since the series ended, she’s also appeared on Downton Abbey.
Harry Melling – Dudley Dursley
In both the US and UK, Harry Melling has appeared in many television series. Some of the shows he’s been in include Just William and Garrow’s Law.
Matthew Lewis – Neville Longbottom
Matthew Lewis had no problem breaking into the wider entertainment industry after his time as Neville Longbottom came to an end. Having the biggest glow-up out of the entire cast will certainly do that for you. He’s starred in television series such as The Syndicate, Death in Paradise, and Bluestone 42.
Katie Leung – Cho Chang
Katie Leung hasn’t appeared in many movies after Harry Potter, but that’s because she’s mainly been doing theater. Her stage debut was in 2012 in Wild Swans and she hasn’t stopped since.
Scarlett Byrne – Pansy Parkinson
Pansy Parkinson was a more prominent character in the novels, but didn’t make her film debut until The Half-Blood Prince. Scarlett Byrne, the actress that portrayed her, has still been appearing in other media, such as Falling Skies and The Vampire Diaries. In 2017 she made headlines for a photoshoot she participated in for Playboy.
James And Oliver Phelps – Fred and George Weasley
The Phelps twins still have an acting career. After Harry Potter, they’ve appeared in in films such as Own Worst Enemy, Jabberwocky Rise, Danny and the Human Zoo
Michael Gambon – Albus Dumbledore
After the passing of Dumbledore’s original actor, Richard Harris, Michael Gambon took over the role. While Gambon retired from stage acting in 2015, he’s still appeared in films, television series, and voiceover work.
Sean Biggerstaff – Oliver Wood
Sean Biggerstaff portrayed Gryffindor Quidditch captain, Oliver Wood, in the first two films. While his tenor on the series was short, he still has some acting appearances, most notably in the film Cashback.
Jamie Waylett – Vincent Crabbe
Jamie Waylett’s actually the only person whose character had to be cut from the final film in the series. That was because he was arrested for his participation in the England riots in 2011.
Robert Pattinson – Cedric Diggory
Another actor who only appeared in one film in the Harry Potter franchise, Pattinson’s role of Cedric Diggory is still quite memorable, at least retroactively because of the actor that portrayed him. Robert Pattinson’s most notable role is as Edward Cullen in the Twilight Saga, although that’s not all he’s been up to. He’s even got an appearance as Batman coming up in the latest film featuring the character in the film of the same name.
Emma Watson – Hermione Granger
Of course, Emma Watson has been flourishing since the end of the Harry Potter franchise. She’s appeared in several movies, such as The Perks of Being a Wallflower and the 2017 remake of Beauty and the Beast. Although, Watson also took time off from acting in order to get a proper education at Worcester College in Oxford and Brown University.
Jessica Cave – Lavender Brown
Jessica Cave’s role in Harry Potter was rather minor, but she’s since gained an impressive body of work. She mostly does television now, starring in series like Trollied and Glue Online.
Devon Murray – Seamus Finnagan
Devon Murray’s role in Harry Potter wasn’t particularly massive, but it was still lucrative. Seamus Finnigan actually had quite a bit of screen time in those eight movies. Murray doesn’t act much anymore, but it’s completely understandable with the amount of money he’s already made.
Chris Rankin – Percy Weasley
Chris Rankin doesn’t do many films nowadays, but like Katie Leung he’s moved into the theater. He’s performed in shows with both the Youth Theatre Company in the UK and the Dereham Operatic Society.
Joshua Herdman – Gregory Goyle
Like Devon Murray, Joshua Murray’s also taken a step back and left the world of acting it seems. His last role was in 2012 in the film Piggy. However, it’s completely understandable after so many years in the limelight.
Clémence Poésy – Fleur Delacour
Clémence Poésy only appeared in a few of the films in the Harry Potter franchise, but she has been getting a lot of work. She’s appeared in In Brudges and 127 Hours, but mostly appears in films made in France, a lot of which don’t get released in the US.
Robbie Coltrane – Rubeus Hagrid
Robbi Coltrane may have been the most famous actor in the Harry Potter franchise when the first film released. He appeared opposite of Pierce Brosnan in the James Bond film Goldeneye, which is considered one of the best films in the 007 franchise. Since the end of Harry Potter, Coltrane’s mostly just been appearing on television series on the BBC, but doesn’t seem to be intent on retiring anytime soon.
Alan Rickman – Severus Snape
Severus Snape is one of the most famous characters in the franchise, at one point reviled, but now beloved. And part of that can at least be given to his actor, Alan Rickman. His portrayal of Professor Snape was truly one of the best performances in the series. It truly is a shame that Rickman passed away in 2016.
