Scottish Harry Potter Stars: From Prison to Tragic Death, Where Are They Now?

From Scottish Stars of Harry Potter Franchise to Life Beyond

The world of Harry Potter franchise is not just about sorcery, wizardry, magic, and fantasy thriller. It is an amalgamation of different artistic skills, including acting, direction, and writing. One of the decorated aspects of the saga is the Scottish acting talent that has made significant contributions over the years. From Robbie Coltrane’s iconic portrayal of Hagrid to Emma Watson’s Hermione Granger and Shirley Henderson’s memorable Moaning Myrtle, Scotland has left its mark on the Harry Potter world.

Robbie Coltrane – The Lost Legend

Robbie Coltrane’s role as Hagrid in the series requires no introduction. Born in Rutherglen, Scotland, the actor had already earned three Baftas for his performances, including cracker, before appearing as Hagrid. He continued to entertain audiences with his performances in different movies and TV shows. His final appearance as Hagrid was in the 20th-anniversary special aired in January 2022. However, fans’ joy was short-lived as the actor, battling various health issues, including multiple organ failure and sepsis, passed away later that year. Coltrane’s legacy will always be remembered in the Harry Potter world for his portrayal of the gentle giant and as one of the most beloved actors.

Kelly MacDonald – From HP to Line of Duty

Glasgow-born Kelly MacDonald appeared in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2 as Helena Ravenclaw. Apart from that, she is best known for her role as Diane Coulston in the movie T2: Trainspotting and her appearance as the formidable DCI Joanne Davidson in Line of Duty. Her talent and skills as an actor continue to shine as she has established herself over the years as a significant cinematic figure.

Peter Mullan – A Late Addition yet a Distinguished Performer

Peter Mullan, a late addition to the Harry Potter saga, played the role of Death Eater Yaxley in the last two films: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows parts one and two. The Scottish actor has contributed to various movies and series, including Ozark and Westworld. His recent portrayal of King Durin III in Amazon’s series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has further cemented his place as one of the significant players in the industry.

Katie Leung – From Cho Chang to DC Blair Ferguson

Katie Leung, born in Dundee, portrayed Cho Chang in the Harry Potter franchise. Despite her success, the actor faced racial abuse due to her role, and she was advised by a publicist to deny the occurrence. Recently, she played the role of DC Blair Ferguson in the BBC One’s crime drama Annika.

Shirley Henderson – The Charismatic Moaning Myrtle and More

Shirley Henderson, recognized for her role as Gail in Trainspotting, played Moaning Myrtle in the Harry Potter world. Her enigmatic portrayal of the character has earned her universal acclaim as a character actor. She continues to work in various movies and series, including Star Wars: Episode IX The Rise of Skywalker and The Mandalorian, where she voiced Babu Frik and the Anzellan crew, respectively.

Kevin Guthrie – The Unfortunate Incident

Kevin Guthrie portrayed Abernathy in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, but a tragic incident involving him prevented him from playing the role in the follow-up ‘The Secrets of Dumbledore.’ He was convicted of sexual assault in 2017 and sentenced to three years in prison. The actor was freed from prison in 2022 following an appeal to cut his sentence and appeared as Owen in the musical ‘The Land of Dreams.’

David Tennant – From Bartemius Crouch Jr. to International Acclaim

David Tennant, known for his role as Bartemius Crouch Jr. in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, is one of the best-loved actors in Scotland. He went on to play the Time Lord in Doctor Who and since then has appeared in different TV shows and movies, including Broadchurch, Jessica Jones, and Good Omens. His portrayal of serial killer Dennis Nielsen in ITV’s ‘Des’ earned him an international Emmy award in 2020.

Editorial and Advice

The Harry Potter franchise may have catapulted these Scottish actors to stardom, but they have continued to shine in their respective roles, whether on-screen or off-screen. However, the unfortunate incidents, including Robbie Coltrane’s death and Kevin Guthrie’s conviction, have brought to light the dark side of fame and success in the entertainment industry. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the challenges and limitations of being an actor and focus on one’s skills and performances without compromising one’s dignity and ethics. These Scottish stars’ contributions in the world of Harry Potter may have left a lasting impact, but their continued success is a testament to their hard work, talent, and perseverance.