Happy Birthday Rupert Grint! The boy who brought Ron Weasley to life.
The ginger haired thespian first came to our attention 15 years ago along with Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson when the trio were announced as the child actors that would be featuring in arguably the most popular children’s fantast series of all time.
The press release told the world about the magical news in August 2000.
“We searched through all Muggle and Wizard households to find just the right young people to play Harry, Ron and Hermione and we have found them in Dan, Rupert and Emma,” Lorenzo di Bonaventura, then President of Worldwide Theatrical Production at Warner Bros. Pictures, said in the release.
“These are magical roles, the kind that come around once in a lifetime, and they required talented children who can bring magic to the screen.”
At 26 – his birthday is August 24 – Grint has become one of the most widely recognized young adults. Since Potter, he has stayed mostly away from film roles, and opts for theatre shows instead, as well as the now infamous cameo in Ed Sheeran’s music video.
But wise-cracking Rupert isn’t the only one who has changed.
Let’s take a look through Dumbledor’s Pensieve and see if you can spot the young Harry Potter actors and see how they have changed.
Rupert Grint – who turns 26 on August 24 – first rose to prominence playing Ron Weasley, one of the three main characters in the Harry Potter film series.
No longer 11, Rupert Grint has become one of the most widely recognized young adults. Since Potter, he has stayed mostly away from film roles, and opts for theatre shows instead, as well as the now infamous cameo in Ed Sheeran’s music video.
Miss Watson has grown up glam! Since beginning the Potter films, she has graduated from Brown University, represented several global brands in their fashion and beauty campaigns, and has helped launch a UN campaign for gender equality. Hermione would be proud.
The man, the myth. He began his acting career as Cedric Diggory, but launched into worldwide fame as Twilight’s Edward Cullen in 2008. You may not know: he also composes and plays his own music, some of which featured on the Twilight soundtrack.
Felton has moved his headquarters from Snape’s office to Youtube- now laying down tracks under the name “Feltbeats.” Tracks don’t sound quite like what you’d expect from a young Slythern however. His tracks entitled “Hawaii” and “When Angels Come” won’t buy him many Malfoy accolades.
“You’re a wizard Harry!” Hagrid echoes, and little Daniel Radcliffe marches through Platform 9 3/4 away into global popular culture. A lot has happened since then. Including even having a gay sex scene in Kill Your Darlings, riding a horse naked around a stage in Peter Shaffer’s Equus, and a rap battle on Jimmy Fallon. You know, the usual.
Young Ginny Weasley, the modest love interest of Harry himself, has jumped behind the camera recently. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in film production she directed her first film, premièring at Cannes. She now has her own production company, Bon Bon Lumiere and is working on several music videos.
Neville Longbottom has grown up over the years! From the awkward adolescence of highschool, Matthew Lewis has grown his acting career and you can catch him headlining a film this 2016. He’s gained a lot more fans since his pet toad Trevor.
The Weasley Twins are portrayed by real life twins James and Oliver Phelps. Not too dissimilar from their characters in the Potter flicks, they are often seen in at sporting events. However, now they solemnly swear that they are up to lots of good. They recently completed a charity skydive for cancer research in Australia.
