Harry Potter is the second most successful film franchise of all time and fans love Harry’s adventures in J.K Rowling’s wonderful books. Harry was the hero, but he couldn’t have done it without the many strong women by his side and they opened up the world of wizards, witches and magic to fans. Even though Harry Potter is over, these talented actresses were not and went on to star in award winning movies and others took a different path. Even though that will always be their Potter character in our hearts.
Maggie Smith as Professor Minerva McGonagall – Then
Although Professor Dumbledore was the face of Hogwarts, deputy headmistress Professor McGonagall was no less close to it.
Minerva was a loyal member of the Order of the Pheonix, and watched Harry Potter when he was taken to the Dursley’s, and watched him during his time at Hogwarts. McGonagall was a strong character and regular feature in all but one of the franchise.
Maggie Smith – Now
Maggie Smith’s impressive career has spanned over 66 years, appearing in over 50 films leading her to become one of Britain’s most recognized and respected actresses. Following her role in Harry Potter, Smith went on to appear in successful British period drama, Downton Abbey, for which she was awarded a Golden Globe award, two Emmy awards and a Screen Actors Guild award.
For her incredible achievements in film, Smith was made a Dame by the Queen in 1990 for services to the performing arts.
Miranda Richardson as Rita Skeeter – Then
We first came across Rita Skeeter in Harry Potter and the Goblet Of Fire, as the intrusive journalist from The Daily Prophet who specialized in writing false stories and misreported interviews. Rita was even dubbed “enchantingly nasty” by Professor Dumbledore.
At the Triwizard Tournament, Skeeter painted Harry as a depressed orphan and tragic hero who was in love with Hermione Granger. Rita also wrote defaming articles about Hagrid, which led students’ parents to become concerned about his ferocity.