The Harry Potter series has been a massive cultural phenomenon since the release of the first book in 1997, and the subsequent movies that followed. Fans of all ages have been captivated by the story of the young wizard and his friends as they navigate the wizarding world and battle against the dark forces of Lord Voldemort. As the years have passed since the release of the final movie in 2011, many fans have wondered: how old are the Harry Potter characters now?
To answer this question, it is important to look at the ages of the actors who portrayed the beloved characters in the movies. Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, is currently 34 years old. Rupert Grint, who portrayed Ron Weasley, is also 34 years old. Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, is the youngest of the trio at 33 years old. Other notable actors from the series include Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy, and Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley.
While the actors who brought the characters to life have aged, the characters themselves remain frozen in time in the books and movies. Harry, Ron, and Hermione will forever be remembered as the young wizards who saved the wizarding world from the clutches of evil. However, their real-life counterparts have continued to thrive in their careers and personal lives, leaving fans to wonder what the future holds for the actors and the beloved characters they portrayed.
Current Ages of Main Characters
As of November 14, 2023, the main characters of the Harry Potter series have aged since the release of the last movie in 2011. Here are the current ages of the main characters:
- Harry Potter: Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter in the movies, was born on July 23, 1989, and is currently 34 years old.
- Ron Weasley: Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley in the movies, was born on August 24, 1988, and is currently 35 years old.
- Hermione Granger: Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger in the movies, was born on April 15, 1990, and is currently 33 years old.
- Draco Malfoy: Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in the movies, was born on September 22, 1987, and is currently 36 years old.
- Neville Longbottom: Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom in the movies, was born on June 27, 1989, and is currently 34 years old.
- Ginny Weasley: Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in the movies, was born on February 17, 1991, and is currently 32 years old.
- Luna Lovegood: Evanna Lynch, who played Luna Lovegood in the movies, was born on August 16, 1991, and is currently 32 years old.
It is interesting to note that the ages of the actors who played the main characters were relatively close to the ages of the characters they portrayed. For example, Daniel Radcliffe was 11 years old when he was cast as Harry Potter, and the character was also 11 years old in the first book and movie. Similarly, Rupert Grint was 12 years old when he was cast as Ron Weasley, and the character was also 12 years old in the first book and movie.
It is also worth noting that the Harry Potter series has a large and diverse cast of characters, and it is impossible to cover all of them in this section. However, the ages of the main characters provide a good overview of how the actors and characters have aged since the release of the last movie in 2011.
Ages During Key Events
At Hogwarts
The Harry Potter series follows the main characters as they attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The characters’ ages vary throughout the series, starting with their first year at Hogwarts when they are around 11 years old. In the first book, Philosopher’s Stone (or Sorcerer’s Stone for US readers), Harry, Ron, and Hermione are all 11 years old. In Chamber of Secrets, they are 12, and in Prisoner of Azkaban they are 13. In Goblet of Fire, they are 14, and in Order of the Phoenix, they are 15. In Half-Blood Prince, they are 16, and in the final book, Deathly Hallows, they are 17.
Deathly Hallows
In Deathly Hallows, the characters are 17 years old and have left Hogwarts to search for Horcruxes and defeat Voldemort. The events of the book take place over the course of a year, during which the characters turn 18. The epilogue of the book takes place 19 years later, when Harry, Ron, and Hermione are all in their late 30s and have children of their own.
Post-War
After the events of the final book, the characters go on to live their lives and start families. Harry becomes an Auror, Ron helps run the family joke shop, and Hermione works in the Ministry of Magic. The exact ages of the characters after the events of the series are not specified, but it can be assumed that they are in their late 30s or early 40s.
It is worth noting that the ages of the characters in the books differ slightly from the ages of the actors who portrayed them in the movies. For example, Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry, was 11 years old when filming began for Philosopher’s Stone, but his character was only 10 years old in the book.
Actors Now and Then
Childhood Stars
The “Harry Potter” franchise was a huge success and launched the careers of many young actors. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson played the roles of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger respectively. They were only eleven years old when they were cast for the first movie, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”.
Now, more than 20 years later, the actors have grown up and have pursued different career paths. Daniel Radcliffe has acted in several movies, including “The Woman in Black”, “Victor Frankenstein”, and “Now You See Me 2”. He has also appeared on Broadway in “Equus” and “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”.
Rupert Grint has also acted in several movies, including “Into the White”, “Moonwalkers”, and “The Necessary Death of Charlie Countryman”. He also starred in the TV show “Sick Note”.
Emma Watson has acted in several movies as well, including “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”, “The Bling Ring”, “Beauty and the Beast”, and “Little Women”. She has also been a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and an advocate for gender equality.
Tom Felton played the role of Draco Malfoy and has acted in several movies, including “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” and “The Apparition”. Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom, has acted in several movies, including “Me Before You” and “Terminal”. Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley, has acted in several movies, including “The Sea” and “After the Dark”. Evanna Lynch, who played Luna Lovegood, has acted in several movies, including “My Name is Emily” and “Indigo”.
Adult Careers
The “Harry Potter” franchise provided a platform for the young actors to launch their careers. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson have all continued to act in movies and TV shows. They have also been involved in philanthropic work and activism.
Daniel Radcliffe has been involved in several charities, including The Trevor Project and Demelza Hospice Care for Children. Rupert Grint has been involved in several charities, including Little Star Award and Great Ormond Street Hospital. Emma Watson has been involved in several charities, including Camfed International and The Malala Fund.
In addition to their acting careers, some of the “Harry Potter” stars have pursued other interests. Tom Felton has released several albums and has toured with his music. Matthew Lewis has been involved in several stage productions and has also written a book. Bonnie Wright has pursued a career in directing and has directed several short films. Evanna Lynch has been involved in several podcasts and has also written a book.
Overall, the “Harry Potter” franchise has had a significant impact on the lives and careers of the young actors who starred in the movies. They have continued to pursue their passions and have made a positive impact in their respective fields.
Legacy of the Harry Potter Franchise
The Harry Potter franchise has left an indelible mark on popular culture, becoming a cultural phenomenon that has transcended generations. The franchise, which began with the publication of the first book in 1997, has since expanded to include movies, theme parks, merchandise, and more.
The Harry Potter movies, produced by Warner Bros., have been a major part of the franchise’s success. The eight films have grossed over $7.7 billion worldwide, making it the fourth-highest-grossing film series of all time. The final film, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2,” was released in 2011 and became the highest-grossing film in the series, earning over $1.3 billion worldwide.
The franchise has also had a significant impact on the careers of the cast members. Many of the actors, who were relatively unknown when they were cast in the first film, have gone on to become major stars in their own right. Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, has continued to act in both movies and stage productions. Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, has become a prominent activist and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador.
The Harry Potter books, written by J.K. Rowling, have sold over 500 million copies worldwide and have been translated into over 80 languages. The books have been praised for their imaginative storytelling, richly drawn characters, and exploration of complex themes such as love, loss, and the nature of evil.
The franchise has also had a significant impact on the world of wizardry and magic. The Harry Potter films have inspired a new generation of fans to explore the world of magic and fantasy, while also sparking interest in real-world magical practices such as Wicca and paganism.
Despite the franchise’s success, it has not been without controversy. The final film, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2,” was criticized by some for its portrayal of the Battle of Hogwarts, which was seen as overly violent and lacking in emotional depth. Additionally, some have criticized the franchise for its lack of diversity, particularly in its casting of actors of color.
Overall, the legacy of the Harry Potter franchise is a complex and multifaceted one. While it has had a significant impact on popular culture and the careers of its cast members, it has also faced criticism and controversy. Nevertheless, it remains a beloved and enduring part of the cultural landscape.
Remembering the Departed Characters
The Harry Potter series has seen its fair share of beloved characters pass away both on and off-screen. Here’s a look at some of the most notable characters who have departed.
Alan Rickman (Severus Snape)
Alan Rickman, who played the complex and enigmatic Severus Snape, passed away in 2016 at the age of 69. His portrayal of Snape, a character who initially appeared to be a villain but later revealed himself to be a hero, was widely praised by fans and critics alike.
Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid)
Robbie Coltrane, who played the lovable half-giant Rubeus Hagrid, passed away in 2022 at the age of 72. Coltrane’s warm and kind portrayal of Hagrid endeared him to fans, and his passing marked the end of an era for the Harry Potter series.
Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore)
Michael Gambon, who played the wise and powerful Albus Dumbledore in the later Harry Potter films, passed away in 2023 at the age of 82. Gambon’s portrayal of Dumbledore was widely praised, and his passing was mourned by fans around the world.
Gary Oldman (Sirius Black)
Gary Oldman, who played the enigmatic and tragic Sirius Black, passed away in 2021 at the age of 63. Oldman’s portrayal of Black, a character who was wrongly accused of a crime and spent years in prison, was widely praised by fans and critics alike.
Maggie Smith (Professor Minerva McGonagall)
Maggie Smith, who played the strict but fair Professor Minerva McGonagall, passed away in 2024 at the age of 89. Smith’s portrayal of McGonagall, a character who was both tough and compassionate, was widely praised by fans and critics alike.
Robert Pattinson (Cedric Diggory)
Robert Pattinson, who played the charming and talented Cedric Diggory, passed away in 2020 at the age of 34. Pattinson’s portrayal of Diggory, a character who was tragically killed in the Triwizard Tournament, was widely praised by fans and critics alike.
Others
Other notable actors from the Harry Potter series who have passed away include Richard Harris (Albus Dumbledore in the first two films), John Hurt (Ollivander), and David Ryall (Elphias Doge). Their contributions to the series will not be forgotten, and their passing is a reminder of the impact that the Harry Potter series has had on fans around the world.