As Harry Potter fans delight over Rupert Grint’s surprise baby news, the Mirror takes a closer look at what members of the original cast have been up since leaving Hogwarts
For a generation of children, the Harry Potter series introduced them to a world of magic unlike anything seen before. And for those who populated the enchanted world that captured the imaginations of so many, their lives were never the same again.
It’s been 24 years since the first instalment, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, brought JK Rowling’s wildly popular book series to life, with Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson perfectly cast as the heroic trio, Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
Seven subsequent films followed, growing darker in tone as the characters matured and faced increasingly malevolent threats. Each return to Hogwarts brought plenty of adventures, unexpected twists and, naturally, cauldrons full of magic.
When the final movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, aired in 2011, emotions ran high as the central characters waved off their own children at Platform 9 3/4s. All these years on, and with a new TV adaptation on the way, there is still so much affection for the original stars, and it was therefore unsurprising that Rupert’s recent baby news was met with such genuine joy and excitement.
Here, the Mirror takes a look at what the cast got up to next after defeating Lord Voldemort.
READ MORE: Harry Potter’s Rupert Grint shares sweet first picture of ‘secret baby’ and unique name
Daniel Radcliffe
Since Harry Potter, Daniel Radcliffe has gone on to play some major roles. From The Woman in Black (2012) and Imperium (2016), to The Lost City (2022), the actor has continued to enjoy great success following the wizarding world.
Although he’s branched out into some diverse projects, the London-born actor will perhaps always be best known for the series that made him a household name – and being so instantly recognisable hasn’t always been easy.
During an interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show in 2022, Daniel, who has now made a life for himself in New York, joked: “They’ve just opened a massive Harry Potter store in New York, and I’ll walk past there and suddenly get there like, ‘Oh no, I’m here, I have to not be here very quickly, I have to run before somebody sees me!'”
According to IMDB, Daniel is next set to star in Now You See Me 3, which will air in November of this year. But his most important role is that of dad. In April 2023, he became a father for the first time with partner Erin Darke.
Opening up to E! News in June 2024, Daniel, now 35, described becoming a dad as “the best”. He shared: “I cry a lot more, in like a nice way. And yeah, it’s just the best thing that ever has happened to me.”
Rupert Grint
Ron Weasley actor Rupert Grint is now known largely for his accomplished TV roles. Of particular note is his portrayal of Julian Pearce in the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ psychological horror series Servant, which ran from 2019 to 2023
You can also find Rupert on the TV series Snatch and Sick Note on Netflix, Agatha Christie’s The ABC Murders on Amazon Prime Video, and spooky Netflix anthology series Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities.
In 2023, he returned to film after an eight-year absence in M. Night Shyamalan’s Knock at the Cabin. Rupert is also a dad-of-two, welcoming a baby girl a couple of years ago with partner Georgia Groome, who is famous for her role in Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging.
Rupert, now 36, recently surprised fans by announcing the birth of his and Georgia’s second daughter, a little girl named Goldie. Sharing a sweet picture of the newborn on Instagram, Rupert praised childbirth expert Dr. Alex Digesu, who appears to be responsible for the baby’s safe delivery.
The proud dad wrote: “‘Secret Child Slightly Revealed’. Introducing Goldie G. Grint. A 10/10 baby (so far). Shout out to @alex.digesu for always delivering.”
Emma Watson
Emma Watson, who famously played Hermione Granger, continued to make waves in Hollywood once Harry Potter came to an end. She starred in Perks of Being a Wallflower, the live action remake of Beauty and the Beast, and featured in the 2019 adaption of Little Women.
On top of her acting accolades, Emma graduated from Brown University with a bachelor’s degree in English literature. She is also an advocate for gender equality as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador.
Much like her most famous character, hardworking Emma, now 35, has a passion for learning. In 2023, she enrolled on a master’s course in creative writing at Oxford University, and is now said to be working towards a DPhil – Oxford’s version of a PhD.
It’s understood Emma has taken to life among the famous spires. Back in February, a source from the prestigious university told the Mail Online: “She mingles among other students, and blends into the background. But she does attend social events and is often spotted with her books and her boyfriend at local coffee shops.
“She started last year – she loves Oxford and has made a happy life for herself there.”
Alfred Enoch
In the Harry Potter films, Alfred Enoch played Dean Thomas, a Hogwarts student and a member of the Gryffindor House. He has gone on to have a very successful career.
In 2014, Alfred starred in the hit TV series How to Get Away With Murder. He played one of the main characters alongside Viola Davis and starred in 50 episodes. More recently, the 36-year-old played the male protagonist in the adaptation of The Couple Next Door.
Aside from films, Alfred is also an accomplished Shakespearean actor. Last year, in his RSC debut, the thespian played the lead in Pericles at The Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon, which ran up until October.
He’s also previously starred as Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, in a 2021 production at Shakespeare’s Globe, and as Orlando in As You Like It.
Tom Felton
Tom Felton played Harry’s nemesis Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series, and starred in all eight films. Since then, he has taken on roles in several indie films, including The Forgotten Battle, Braking for Whales and Save the Cinema.
According to IMDB, Tom is also set to feature in Gandhi, Altered, and Canyon Del Muerto, which are all said to be in production.
In May 2022, Tom, now 37, made his West End theatre debut in the hit play 2:22 A Ghost Story. That same year, he published a memoir, Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard, which offered an insight into life growing up in one of the most famous franchises in cinematic history.
In his memoir, Tom opened up about his difficulties with addiction and rehab, crediting one of his former co-stars for helping him come forward with such honesty. He wrote: “I was encouraged by a few people, Emma Watson specifically, to tell the whole story and not just sort of cherry-pick the fluffy bits.”
Dame Maggie Smith
British icon Dame Maggie Smith starred as Professor McGonagall in the hit franchise. But she was already incredibly famous before joining the cast. From 2010, Oscar winner Maggie played the iconic Dowager Countess Violet Grantham in Downton Abbey, in what would be one of the most memorable roles of her distinguished career.
The series ran for six years, with Violet making her last poignant appearance in the 2019 sequel film, A New Era. On top of that, the beloved actress also starred in The Lady in the Van, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and A Boy Called Christmas.
Sadly, Dame Maggie passed away in September 2024 at the age of 89. In a statement issued via their publicist, her family said: “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September.
“An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days.”
Harry Melling
Harry Melling is famous for playing Dudley Dursley, Harry Potter’s particularly unpleasant cousin. And after leaving the magical world behind, he, has continued to work on screen.
The now 36-year-old, who studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, has appeared in several Netflix series, including The Old Guard, The Devil All the Time, The Pale Blue Eye, and most notably The Queen’s Gambit.
Fiona Shaw
Fiona Shaw played Dudley’s very bitter mother, Petunia, who was also the sister of Lily Potter and Harry’s aunt.
Fiona’s acting career has been vast and successful. In recent years, she played a therapist in BBC’s hit show Fleabag and also starred in Killing Eve, as MI6 boss Carolyn Martens.
Last year, Fiona slipped into another villainous role in the second season of Bad Sisters, which saw her play the wickedly manipulative Angelica Collins.
The now 66-year-old has also got several up-and-coming shows, according to IMDB, including an adaptation of Hot Milk, which will air this summer, Anansi Boys, and Echo Valley.
Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com. Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads
READ MORE: ‘I visited “world’s most beautiful island” and May is the cheapest time to travel here’
Source: Mirror
Leave a Reply