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Edinburgh Live
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Harry Potter stars now from prison and life-changing car crash to alcohol death
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The much-anticipated Harry Potter TV series is in full swing, with only one original cast member set to make a comeback. It's been less than 15 years since the last instalment of the franchise hit the big screen, leading some fans to argue that it's too early for a reboot - but one key actor from all eight films appears to think otherwise. JK Rowling, the author of the beloved series, is on board as an executive producer for the HBO Original series, and the casting details for some of the Hogwarts staff have already been unveiled. Much like the film adaptations, the TV series seems to be predominantly featuring British talent, although the young stars have not yet been announced. What we do know is that Nick Frost, known for his role in Hot Fuzz and his collaboration with Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) in Sick Note, will be stepping into the shoes of the endearing giant Hagrid. Paapa Essiedu, who has starred in Black Mirror and Gangs of London, will portray the complex Potions master Severus Snape, while American actor John Lithgow will also join the cast. However, the show has already faced backlash from many fans due to Rowling's controversial comments about the transgender community. Several original cast members have publicly criticised her views. Tom Felton, who portrayed Draco Malfoy in the films, has remained neutral regarding the author - a stance that seems to have secured him a link to the upcoming series, reports the Mirror. Tom Felton exhibited poise during his conversation with The Times when discussing J. controversial statements on transgender issues, reflecting philosophically: "I couldn't speak for what others have said or what she said, to be completely honest, but I'm often reminded, attending Comic-Cons in particular, that no one has single-handedly done more for bringing joy to so many different generations and walks of life. "I'm constantly reminded of her positive work in that field and as a person. I've only had a handful of meetings with her but she has always been lovely. So I'm very grateful for that. I'm pro. I'm pro-choice. I'm pro-life. I'm pro-discussion. I'm pro-love. I don't tend to pick sides." Reports from the Daily Mail suggest he is currently negotiating with HBO to remain a part of the Harry Potter television project, with an informant claiming: "Everyone knows that Tom has Jo's blessing. While others turned their backs on her, he treated her with dignity even if he disagreed with her. And now it seems he will be the one original cast member who will be involved with the new production." Despite fan hopes to see him reprise the role of Lucius Malfoy, it seems Tom Felton has other plans. "Tom has expressed an interest in visiting the set and meeting with the actor playing Draco, and Warner is keen to make it happen. There has even been talk of getting him involved in creating behind-the-scenes content for HBO which could form part of a documentary about the making of the TV show," revealed an insider. Post-Harry Potter fame saw Tom Felton grappling with personal demons, leading to three rehab stints due to a severe alcohol addiction. While Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, and Daniel Radcliffe remain big names, the fate of other actors from the Harry Potter series is also noteworthy. Richard Harris and Michael Gambon are forever etched in fans' memories as Albus Dumbledore. Richard Harris, the Oscar-nominated talent known for roles in Camelot and Gladiator, initially declined the part of the Hogwarts headmaster thrice, aware of his failing health. Yet, he capitulated when his 11 year old granddaughter threatened to cut ties if he refused. Harris confessed that his rebellious streak nearly cost him the iconic role, as all cast members were expected to commit to a seven-film contract. Richard Harris, the original Dumbledore, had expressed initial reservations about committing to the franchise. "The thought of doing seven films was intimidating," he said at the time. "I'm rebellious by nature and felt it could be rather difficult to handle." Harris' health issues led to his untimely passing in October 2002, prompting the filmmakers to find a new Dumbledore. Initially, they approached Sir Ian McKellen, but he declined, citing Harris' past criticism of his acting. In an interview with BBC's HARDtalk, McKellen explained, "When they called me up and said would I be interested in being in the Harry Potter films, they didn't say in what part. I worked out what they were thinking, and I couldn't take over the part from an actor who I'd known didn't approve of me." The role eventually went to Michael Gambon, who brought a distinctive interpretation to the character, using his natural Irish accent and giving Dumbledore a slightly darker tone as the series progressed. Gambon passed away in 2023, with his family releasing a statement that read, "Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia. Michael was 82." In the first Harry Potter film, Verne Troyer, known for his role as Mini-Me in the Austin Powers series, portrayed Griphook. However, due to the producers' decision to exclusively cast British actors, Troyer's voice was dubbed over by Warwick Davis, who also appeared on-screen as a bank teller and Professor Flitwick. When Griphook returned in later films, Davis took over the role entirely, as the producers had by then implemented a strict rule about only casting British actors. Troyer went on to appear in other projects, including the final Austin Powers film and Celebrity Big Brother, before his untimely death in 2018. Davis, who played Griphook in the Deathly Hallows films, recalled auditioning for the role and being thrilled to bring more depth to the character, saying: "Griphook has so much more depth to him than I'd ever been able to get into my work as Professor Flitwick. So, I went in and read for David Yates and the casting director, and gave them a best shot, David left a message that I'd got the part." Davis has enjoyed a successful career post-Harry Potter, but tragically lost his wife Samantha. An inquest this month revealed that the actress, who was just 53 when she died in March 2024, suffered a cardiac arrest following complications from essential surgery. Jamie Waylett - Vincent Crabbe. Jamie Waylett's acting career is solely defined by his role in the Harry Potter series. He portrayed Draco Malfoy's sidekick Vincent Crabbe, always seen with his partner-in-crime Gregory Goyle. Waylett featured in the first six films until he was dismissed due to inappropriate behaviour. In 2009, he was removed from the Harry Potter cast after being caught cultivating cannabis plants at his residence, leading to a sentence of 120 hours community service. In 2012, Waylett was imprisoned for two years after being convicted of violent disorder during the London riots, where he was seen drinking from a stolen champagne bottle. Although he was photographed holding a petrol bomb, he was acquitted of intending to destroy or damage property. While Crabbe was never officially replaced, his role as one of Malfoy's henchmen was assumed by Blaise Zabini, a character present in the books but not significantly featured in the films. Louis Cordice portrayed Malfoy's new sidekick in the final three films, with his fate left uncertain while fellow Slytherin Goyle met his end in the Room of Requirement in Deathly Hallows: Part 2 due to Fiendfyre. Richard Bremmer - Voldemort. It's challenging to envision anyone other than Ralph Fiennes as Lord Voldemort, yet another actor took on the role in the first film. Richard Bremmer was the inaugural actor to portray the Dark Lord during the flashback sequence where he kills Harry's parents. However, recognising him would be difficult as he was cloaked in darkness for these scenes. His face only appeared at the conclusion of Philosopher's Stone when Professor Quirrell unveiled Voldemort's face on the back of his head after removing his turban. Bremmer was heavily made up with prosthetics and his face was digitally added onto the back of Quirrell actor Ian Hart's head - with Hart also providing the voice for the malevolent wizard. When Voldemort finally regained his full strength in the fourth film, he was portrayed by Schindler's List actor Fiennes. Actor Hugh Bremmer candidly shared with Digital Spy, "The producers spent a long time fighting to get me so I'm very proud to have been the first. But the role is now being played by Ralph Fiennes, who is an old mate, in the fourth film," Bremmer said. "I've been in the business a long time and it didn't surprise me they just went for a bigger name, being Hollywood led, and I'm happy to pass it on to Ralph." Despite not reprising one of cinema's most iconic villain roles, Bremmer remains active in his acting career, featuring in the martial arts comedy 'Shanghai Nights', serving as an officer in 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker', and even appearing on 'Coronation Street' in 2004. In the world of Harry Potter films, Elizabeth Spriggs was known for her portrayal of The Fat Lady in the inaugural movie. Her character held the important role of protecting the Gryffindor Common Room, famously challenging students for the password. However, in a switch-up for the third instalment, Dawn French, a heavyweight in comedy, took over the mantle of The Fat Lady after director Christopher Columbus spotted her during a Harry Potter-themed Comic Relief sketch. Elizabeth Spriggs, a veteran actress of the Royal Shakespeare Company and known for her role in Harry Potter, went on to feature in popular TV series such as Heartbeat, Midsomer Murders and Agatha Christie's Poirot. Her last film appearance was in the 2008 British drama 'Is Anybody There? ', alongside Michael Caine. Tragically, Spriggs passed away at the age of 78 in June 2008, with her funeral attended by fellow actors Jeremy Irons and Peter Vaughan. Derek Deadman, known for his role in Doctor Who, portrayed Tom the Innkeeper in the first Harry Potter film. His character welcomed young Harry into Diagon Alley. Despite initially appearing friendly and relatively normal for a wizard, Tom underwent a complete transformation when he reappeared in the Prisoner of Azkaban. The once amiable barman had morphed into a creepy figure with a hunched back, bald head, and pointed ears - a depiction more aligned with his description in the books. Jim Tavaré took over the role for the third film, instructed to channel Igor from Young Frankenstein. Following his stint as Tom, Deadman retired from the film industry and moved to Frespech, France. He sadly passed away at the age of 74 in 2014 due to complications related to diabetes. In 2017, Tavaré was involved in a terrifying car crash that left him with severe injuries. The BAFTA-winning actor suffered over 30 broken bones, including his neck, and collapsed lungs. After a lengthy hospital stay and tough recovery period, Tavaré channelled his experience into a stage performance, aptly titled 'From deadpan to bedpan'. The character of Lavender Brown has been portrayed by several actors throughout the Harry Potter series, sparking some controversy. Kathleen Cauley first played her in Chamber of Secrets, before Jennifer Smith took over the role in Prisoner of Azkaban. Smith appeared in a few scenes, such as during a Divination lesson, but didn't have any lines and her character wasn't named. Lavender's role expanded significantly in Half-Blood Prince when she became Ron Weasley's girlfriend. Jessie Cave then stepped into the role, which led to accusations of 'white-washing' the cast as black actresses had previously played Lavender. Another controversy arose when Lavender was seen wearing Hufflepuff robes instead of Gryffindor in the second film, a mistake that was rectified in subsequent films. Cave has since become a mother to four children with comedian Alfie Brown. Most recently, the actress, comedian, and podcaster has launched an OnlyFans account for those attracted to very long hair. Richard Fish - Bill Weasley. Richard Fish's brief stint as Bill Weasley in 'The Prisoner of Azkaban' was a true blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo, where he featured in the background of a photo from the Weasley family's Egyptian holiday. Aside from Alex Crockford, who played Charlie Weasley in the same snapshot, all other Weasleys were portrayed by the main cast. Fish was on set for just a few days to shoot the magical moving picture and had hoped his role would expand in 'The Goblet of Fire'. In a chat with the Leaky Cauldron fan site, Fish shared his aspirations: "After Azkaban I had a talk with a few of the Assistant Directors over a couple of months and after they learned I was keen to return to hopefully make Bill have a larger presence, they confirmed that they were interested in re-hiring me for the job." Unfortunately, Fish's hopes were dashed as Bill Weasley was absent from 'The Goblet of Fire', and when the character did make a significant appearance later in the series, Domhnall Gleeson, son of Brendan Gleeson (Mad Eye Moody), had taken up the mantle for 'The Deathly Hallows Part 1 and 2'.
Daily Mirror
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Harry Potter stars now from alcohol death and prison to life-changing car crash
Tom Felton is the only original actor returning for the new Harry Potter TV series, but while the whole cast is now facing being replaced there were plenty of switches made in the films amid health and legal crises The new Harry Potter TV series is well underway, and only one original star is set to return. It's been less than 15 years since the last film in the franchise, with some fans saying it's too soon for a reboot - but a major actor from all eight films seems to disagree. Author JK Rowling is working as an executive producer on the HBO Original series, and casting for some of the Hogwarts staff has already been released. Like the movies, the TV adaptation seems to be mainly sticking to British talent so far, but none of the child stars have yet been publicly cast. We do know that Hot Fuzz star Nick Frost - who worked alongside Ron Weasley actor Rupert Grint on the show Sick Note - will be playing the lovable giant Hagrid. Black Mirror and Gangs of London actor Paapa Essiedu will take on the troubled Potions professor Severus Snape, and some American talent will come from John Lithgow, a mainstay of stage and screen. The show is already been boycotted by many fans due to Rowling's comments about the transgender community, while many of the original stars have also spoken out against her and her views. Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in the films, has stayed on the fence about the author - and seems to have clinched himself a connection to the upcoming series by staying on good terms with her. Speaking to The Times about Rowling's firm stance on transgender issues, Tom stayed very diplomatic as he mused: 'I couldn't speak for what others have said or what she said, to be completely honest, but I'm often reminded, attending Comic-Cons in particular, that no one has single-handedly done more for bringing joy to so many different generations and walks of life. 'I'm constantly reminded of her positive work in that field and as a person. I've only had a handful of meetings with her but she has always been lovely. So I'm very grateful for that. I'm pro. I'm pro-choice. I'm pro-life. I'm pro-discussion. I'm pro-love. I don't tend to pick sides.' Now, he has reportedly been in talks with HBO to stay involved in the Harry Potter TV show. A source told the Daily Mail: "Everyone knows that Tom has Jo's blessing. While others turned their backs on her, he treated her with dignity even if he disagreed with her. And now it seems he will be the one original cast member who will be involved with the new production." He apparently won't be acting despite fans' demands to see him play Draco's dad Lucius Malfoy, but might instead focus on mentoring and content connected to the show. "Tom has expressed an interest in visiting the set and meeting with the actor playing Draco, and Warner is keen to make it happen. There has even been talk of getting him involved in creating behind-the-scenes content for HBO which could form part of a documentary about the making of the TV show," the source claimed. Since finding fame, the actor has admitted to three rehab stints after the show, after suffering with a crippling alcohol addiction. But, while stars Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, and Daniel Radcliffe are still major stars, what has happened to some of the other actors who helped launch the Harry Potter films to success? Richard Harris and Michael Gambon - Albus Dumbledore Everyone remembers Richard Harris' spellbinding portrayal of Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films. The Oscar-nominated actor, who played King Arthur in Camelot and Emperor Marcus Aurelius in Gladiator, turned down the role of the Hogwarts headmaster three times because he knew his health was in decline. However, he finally accepted because his then 11-year-old granddaughter threatened to never speak to him again if he did not take it. Harris admitted that his wayward nature almost lost him the role of Harry Potter's wise mentor as he and the rest of the cast were asked to sign up for a seven-movie deal. "The thought of doing seven films was intimidating," he said at the time. "I'm rebellious by nature and felt it could be rather difficult to handle." After filming the Chamber of Secrets, Harris fell ill and underwent chemotherapy for Hodgkin's disease. Harris had expected to get out of hospital in time to feature in the Prisoner of Azkaban but sadly he died in October 2002 at the age of 72, just two months after his diagnosis. Bosses were forced to recast the role and initially turned to Sir Ian McKellen, but he didn't want to take the part as Harris had previously called him a "dreadful" actor. He explained on BBC's HARDtalk: "When they called me up and said would I be interested in being in the Harry Potter films, they didn't say in what part. I worked out what they were thinking, and I couldn't take over the part from an actor who I'd known didn't approve of me." Four months after Harris' death, esteemed actor Michael Gambon was announced as the new Dumbledore. Gambon portrayed the character in a slightly different way, keeping his natural Irish accent and giving the character a much less sweet disposition as the films got progressively darker. Tragically, Gambon died in 2023 after quitting acting for good in 2015. In a statement given by his family at the time of his death, it was confirmed: "Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia. Michael was 82." Verne Troyer and Warwick Davies - Griphook Verne Troyer, who became famous playing Mini-Me in the Austin Powers movies, played Griphook in the first movie. Despite producers vowing to use only British actors throughout the films, the American actor someone managed to sneak in as the Gringotts goblin. While Troyer appeared in prosthetics and costume as Griphook, he was voiced by Warwick Davis, who was seen on screen as another bank teller and Charms teacher Professor Flitwick. By the time Griphook was brought back into the franchise there was a definitive rule about only using British stars so Troyer was replaced. Verne went on to appear in final Austin Powers movie Goldmember, The Keith Lemon movie and Celebrity Big Brother in 2009. Sadly, the actor died aged 49 in Los Angeles in 2018 of suicide by alcohol poisoning. In the Deathly Hallows: Parts 1 and 2, Griphook had a much more expanded role, and was played entirely by Davis. Explaining how he got the part, Davis said: "Griphook has so much more depth to him than I'd ever been able to get into my work as Professor Flitwick. So, I went in and read for David Yates and the casting director, and gave them a best shot, David left a message that I'd got the part." Davis has had an illustrious career since leaving Harry Potter behind, but sadly suffered the loss of his wife Samantha. During an inquest this month, it was determined that the actress, who was just 53 years old when she passed away in March 2024, died as a result of a cardiac arrest following complications of essential surgery. Jamie Waylett - Vincent Crabbe Jamie Waylett's only acting roles have been in the Harry Potter movies. The young actor played Draco Malfoy's crony Vincent Crabbe, who was always seen alongside his double act partner Gregory Goyle. Waylett appeared in all of the first six movies until he was kicked out for some inappropriate behaviour. In 2009, he lost his role in Harry Potter after he was caught growing cannabis plants in his home, and was sentenced to 120 hours community service. Waylett was then jailed for two years in 2012 after being found guilty of violent disorder when he swigged from a bottle of champagne stolen during the London riots. He was also pictured holding a petrol bomb, though he was cleared of intending to destroy or damage property. While Crabbe was never properly recast, his role as one of Malfoy's henchman was taken over by Blaise Zabini, who appeared in the books but hadn't been a major part in the films. Malfoy's new lieutenant, who was played by Louis Cordice, appeared in the final three films, and his fate was left unknown while fellow Slytherin Goyle was killed by Fiendfyre in the Room of Requirement in Deathly Hallows: Part 2. Richard Bremmer - Voldemort It's hard to imagine anyone other than Ralph Fiennes as Lord Voldemort, but the villain was played by another actor in the first movie. Richard Bremmer was the first person to appear on-screen as the Dark Lord during the flashback sequence where he murders Harry's parents at their home. However, you wouldn't be able to recognise him as he was shrouded in a dark cloak for the scenes. His face did appear right at the end of Philosopher's Stone when Professor Quirrell removed his turban to reveal Voldemort's face on the back of his head. Bremmer was covered in prosthetics and his face was superimposed onto the back of Quirrell actor Ian Hart's head - with Hart also doing the voice of the evil wizard. When Voldemort finally returned to his full power in the fourth film he was played by Schindler's List actor Fiennes. "The producers spent a long time fighting to get me so I'm very proud to have been the first. But the role is now being played by Ralph Fiennes, who is an old mate, in the fourth film," Bremmer told Digital Spy. "I've been in the business a long time and it didn't surprise me they just went for a bigger name, being Hollywood led, and I'm happy to pass it on to Ralph." Bremmer may have missed out on coming back as one of the greatest villains of all time but he has continued acting. He appeared in martial arts comedy Shanghai Nights, as an officer in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and in Coronation Street in 2004. Elizabeth Spriggs - The Fat Lady Acclaimed actress Elizabeth Spriggs played The Fat Lady in the first Harry Potter movie. The moving portrait guarded the entrance to the Gryffindor Common Room and was seen asking students for the password. When she returned in the third film, The Fat Lady was portrayed be comedy legend Dawn French. The French and Saunders star got the role after Christopher Columbus, who directed the first two films and was co-producer on the second, saw her Harry Potter spoof sketch for Comic Relief. While no longer in Harry Potter, the Royal Shakespeare Company actress Spriggs went on to appear in Heartbeat, Midsomer Murders and Agatha Christie's Poirot. Her final film role was in 2008 British drama Is Anybody There? which also featured Michael Caine. Sadly, the actress passed away aged 78 in June 2008, with her funeral attended by fellow actors Jeremy Irons and Peter Vaughan. Derek Deadman - Tom the Innkeeper Doctor Who actor Derek Deadman played Leaky Cauldron barman Tom in the first Harry Potter movie, welcoming young Harry as he ventured into Diagon Alley. Tom initially seemed friendly and pretty normal for a wizard, but when the character returned in the Prisoner of Azkaban he had been completely transformed. The kindly barman had changed into a creepy man with a hunched back, bald head, and pointed ears -which actually was much more like his description in the books. Jim Tavaré was the one to take on the role for the third film, and was instructed to be more like Igor from Young Frankenstein. Deadman himself stepped back from the film industry after his appearance as Tom, and retired to Frespech in France. He was 74 when he died from complications associated with his diabetes in 2014. Meanwhile, Tavaré suffered a horrifying car collision in 2017, leaving him with devastating injuries. The BAFTA-winning star was left with over 30 broken bones, including his neck, alongside collapsed lungs. After a long hospitalisation and gruelling recovery, Tavaré used the experience as inspiration for a stage performance, aptly named 'From deadpan to bedpan'. Jessie Cave - Lavender Brown Several actors have appeared in the role of Lavender Brown across the film franchise - leading to some controversy. In Chamber of Secrets she was played by Kathleen Cauley, who was then replaced by Jennifer Smith in the Prisoner of Azkaban. Smith featured in several scenes, such as during a Divination lesson, but did not have any lines and her character was never mentioned by name. Lavender was given a much more prominent role in the Half-Blood Prince when she became Ron Weasley's girlfriend. This time she was played by Jessie Cave, which caused some controversy and accusations of 'white-washing' the cast as black actresses had previously had the role. That wasn't the only scandal involving Lavender, as the character was seen wearing Hufflepuff robes in the second movie instead of Gryffindor, an error which was corrected for the next movies. Cave has gone on to welcome four children with comedian Alfie Brown. In her latest move, the actress, comedian, and podcaster has opened an OnlyFans account for those attracted to very long hair. Richard Fish - Bill Weasley Richard Fish made a very fleeting appearance in The Prisoner of Azkaban as Bill Weasley. In the blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment, Fish was seen in the back of a photo from the Weasley family's holiday to Egypt during the school holidays. All of the rest of the Weasley family were main cast members aside from Alex Crockford, who portrayed Charlie Weasley in the picture. Fish spent a few days on set just to get the photo, which -like all pictures - moved in the film, and the actor had hoped to return in a greater capacity in The Goblet of Fire. During an interview with the Leaky Cauldron fan site, he said: "After Azkaban I had a talk with a few of the Assistant Directors over a couple of months and after they learned I was keen to return to hopefully make Bill have a larger presence, they confirmed that they were interested in re-hiring me for the job." However, it wasn't to be as Bill did not appear in the subsequent movie and when he did appear properly in the franchise he was played by someone else entirely. Domhnall Gleeson, the son of Mad Eye Moody actor Brendan Gleeson, took over the role for The Deathly Hallows Part 1 and 2.
The Herald Scotland
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Harry Potter star Rupert Grint shares birth of second child
Following speculation over a second child, the actor took to Instagram saying: ''Secret Child Slightly Revealed' Introducing Goldie G. Grint. A 10/10 baby (so far).' He also gave a 'shout out to' obstetrician Alex Digesu 'for always delivering'. Rupert Grint announces birth of second child In the Instagram post, Grint shared a photo of the new arrival, Goldie, wearing a white top with the baby's name on it as well as a grey cardigan, lying on a leopard-print fleece. Reacting to the news, fans of the actor took to the comments to share well wishes, as one said: "Congratulations, Rupert and Georgia!" Another added: "So perfect! Your kids have the best names. Congratulations!" The Harry Potter star has been with Groome, who was in 2008 comedy Angus, Thongs And Perfect Snogging, since 2011. Grint was the first of the main trio from the first Wizarding World movies to have a child, before Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, announced his child in 2023. Recommended Reading He shot to worldwide fame after starring in Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone in 2001, alongside Radcliffe and Emma Watson, who portrayed his smart best friend Hermione Granger. After being in the eight films, Grint was in Sky One comedy Sick Note, crime drama Snatch and Agatha Christie adaptation The ABC Murders. The Hertfordshire-raised star has also been in the thriller Knock At The Cabin, and drama Cherrybomb.
