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.
Miranda Richardson – Now
Despite appearing as an intrinsically nasty and deceitful individual in Harry Potter, Richardson was actually quite the opposite in real life, something that was a testament to her acting.
When cameras stopped rolling on the popular franchise, Richardson went on to play Labour politician Barbara Castle in the British film Made in Dagenham, before taking on the role of Queen Ulla in Angelina Jolie Disney movie Maleficent in 2014, but her part was cut in post-production.
Julie Walters as Molly Weasley – Then
The Weasley family were all a huge part in the Harry Potter films. Ron was Harry’s best friend, Ginny was his love interest, Fred and George fought for Harry and Arthur protected Harry. However, Molly Weasley was the family matriarch and kept everyone together, not to mention acting as Harry’s adopted mother.
Molly was a strong member of the revived Order of the Phoenix and went down in wizarding history as the witch who defeated Death Eater, Bellatrix Lestrange.
Julie Walters – Now
There is no doubt that Julie Walters is one of the best British actresses of all time with decades of film credits to her name. Walters has won two BAFTA Film Awards,four BAFTA TV Awards, the International Emmy award for A Short Stay in Switzerland in 2009, followed by receiving the BAFTA Fellowship in 2014.
Aside from Harry Potter, Walters has appeared in Calendar Girls, Brave and Mamma Mia! For her services to drama, Walters received a Damehood from the Queen in 2017.
Emma Watson as Hermione Granger – Then
Hermione Granger was undoubtedly the brains behind all of her dangerous adventures with Harry and Ron. The leading lady of the franchise never disappointed when it came to coming up with something brilliant or putting the boys in their place.
Hermione’s strong-willed and fearless nature proved that she was a true Gryffindor at heart and her involvement in destroying Voldemort’s Horcruxes and the triumphant Battle of Hogwarts was instrumental. Hermione eventually found love with Ron Weasley and later became the Minister for Magic.