How Old The Harry Potter Cast Was Compared To Their Characters

The Harry Potter film series is widely regarded as one of the more successful book-to-movie adaptations, yet how successful was the series in accurately portraying character ages? The Harry Potter film series began in 2001 with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and spawned seven sequels. Ending with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 in 2011, the film series was a critical and commercial success and is still held as the high standard regarding young adult books being adapted into film.

From the central trio of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger in the first film to important characters like Sirius Black and Voldemort’s true form coming later, the series saw some of the most iconic book characters come to life with fantastic accuracy. However, many have often wondered how accurately the film series portrayed the various characters’ ages, specifically in terms of how well each Harry Potter cast member matched up to their respective character’s age in each of their debut appearances.

20 Daniel Radcliffe (11) – Harry Potter (11)

Debuted In Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone

Beginning with the first film in the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone‘s differences to the book were minimal. This extended to the age of the titular character in comparison to actor Daniel Radcliffe – who, like most of the other child actors in the franchise, were specifically chosen to align in age to their book counterparts.

When filming began in 2000, Daniel Radcliffe was 11 years old. His character, Harry Potter, has his 11th birthday in the film’s first act, meaning the accuracy was almost dead on regarding the ages of Radcliffe and the Boy Who Lived. Having that age explicitly stated in the beginning of the movie is significant as it marks the beginning of his life as a wizard and being exposed to this magical world around him.

19 Rupert Grint (12) – Ron Weasley (11)

Debuted In Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone also introduced Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley, Harry’s best friend at Hogwarts. Ron is presented as the mischievous one in the Golden Trio, with him growing in maturity over the course of the movies but still being a bit goofier than his friends. The fact that he is a younger brother with brighter, more talented siblings also gives him a chip on his shoulder.

Grint is slightly older than Radcliffe, with the actor turning 12 a month before filming began in September 2000. Ron is the same age as Harry in the books and films due to being in the same school year, meaning Grint was one year older than Ron’s age of 11 when filming Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, a barely noticeable difference from the character.

18 Emma Watson (10) – Hermione Granger (11)

Debuted In Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone

The youngest of the three main actors in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was Emma Watson. Watson was only 10 years old when filming began on the first film, making her slightly younger than her costars. Just like Harry and Ron, Watson’s Hermione Granger was 11 in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, meaning the actress was slightly younger than her character counterpart.

This presented an interesting challenge for Watson when taking on the role, as Hermione is always a character who is seen to be wise beyond her years. She is not only a brilliant and dedicated student, usually showing up her fellow Hogwarts classmates, but she also acts as the most rational member of the group of young heroes. She comes up with plans, steers her friends away from poor decisions, and keeps them out of trouble as much as possible.

17 Tom Felton (13) – Draco Malfoy (11)

Debuted In Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone

Another of Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s fellow pupils in Harry Potter and Sorcerer’s Stone is Draco Malfoy, Harry’s Slytherin bully. Also supposed to be 11 in the film, Malfoy actor Tom Felton holds the biggest age disparity between actor and major Hogwarts character. Felton was born in September 1987, meaning he turned 13 during the first month of filming on the series.

The older age of the actor actually helps to define Felton’s performance in the movies. Draco is shown to be cockier than his fellow first-year students, especially Harry Potter. Having Felton be older than them adds to this dynamic even if the characters are meant to be the same age. Of course, Draco can often seem like one of the most immature characters with his tough and confident attitude often shrinking away at the first sign of danger, right up until Draco’s ultimate redemption.

16 Matthew Lewis (11) – Neville Longbottom (11)

Debuted In Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone

Alongside Harry, Ron, and Hermione in Gryffindor house was Neville Longbottom, with his debut also coming in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. And like his peers, Neville’s age was also 11. Neville was definitely one of the shyer students at Hogwarts, and unsure of himself in these early days, and as a result, Neville felt a lot younger than the rest.

Actor Matthew Lewis had turned 11 three months before filming began on the first film. He fits nicely into the timid youngster role that made the meek Neville such a fan-favorite Harry Potter character. However, those early days of Neville at Hogwarts only made his eventual arc all the more satisfying as he gradually found more confidence in himself and even took on more of a leadership role among the heroic Hogwarts students.

15 Harry Melling (11) – Dudley Dursley (11)

Debuted In Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone

While not playing a major role in the first film, Harry’s spoiled cousin, Dudley Dursley, was also introduced in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. In many ways, Dudley is the first villain Harry faces in the movie as he mistreats his cousin and makes his life as an orphan even more miserable. In both the first book and film, Dudley’s birthday is shown as being around a month before Harry’s. The two are therefore essentially the same age, with Dudley being 11 throughout the first film.

Harry Melling, the actor responsible for playing Dudley, was also 11 when filming for Sorcerer’s Stone began. Having Harry and Dudley the same age is an effective way of showing how differently the two children live. While Harry makes the best of his lonely and put-upon life, Dudley is given everything he could possibly want and still finds a lot to complain about.

14 Bonnie Wright (9) – Ginny Weasley (10)

Debuted In Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone

Another character whose role grew as the series went on yet debuted in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was Ginny Weasley, Ron’s younger sister. Ginny is a year younger than Ron in the first film as she starts Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, meaning she is 10 years old when Harry first meets her. She is not much of a prominent character in the first movie but becomes more important in the sequel.

Bonnie Wright played Ginny throughout the Harry Potter film series and was one of the youngest core cast members at only nine years old at the time of filming beginning. It has often been discussed why J. K. Rowling decided to include a romance between Harry and Ginny, given she was the little sister of Harry’s best friend. However, the age difference between the characters is not very noticeable nor is it substantial.

13 Evanna Lynch (15) – Luna Lovegood (15)

Debuted In Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix

Luna Lovegood is a character whose first appearance came in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, yet she played an integral role in the final four movies of the series. Lovegood is a Ravenclaw at Hogwarts and was 15 years old at the time of her debut as Harry meets her during his fifth year at the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Evanna Lynch, Lovegood’s actress, was also 15 when filming began for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Luna’s age in the story is an interesting detail as she is another character who seems wiser than her years, seeing things that others don’t and providing useful advice to Harry and the others. However, she also has a spacey quality to her that makes it seem a little like she is an even younger child wandering through this magical world.

12 Gary Oldman (44) – Sirius Black (34)

Debuted In Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban

Sirius Black’s role in the third through fifth Harry Potter movies cannot be understated as an important member of Harry’s family. While the films do not specifically divulge Black’s age, the books state he was born in 1959, meaning he was 34 in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Despite the film series being a more modern retelling of the books, it can be assumed the timeline is similar and Black was 34 in his film debut.

Oscar-winner Gary Oldman portrayed Sirius Black and was 44 when filming began on the third film. It is not surprising that the movie was willing to stretch the age of the character somewhat to get an actor of Oldman’s caliber on board. Also, with Daniel Radcliffe being 15 by the time Prisoner of Azkaban came about, having an older character with appropriate gravitas step into this paternal-like role was essential.

11 Ralph Fiennes (41) – Voldemort (68)

Debuted In Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire

Despite appearances in various forms in earlier films, the series’ main villain, Voldemort, was properly resurrected in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Voldemort’s age is up for debate, given his various life forms throughout the series. However, the time between Tom Riddle’s birth and Voldemort’s resurgence in Goblet of Fire was 68 years.

Ralph Fiennes became the iconic version of the villain

Though several actors played Voldemort at various stages of his life throughout the franchise, Ralph Fiennes became the iconic version of the villain, bringing him to life between Goblet of Fire and The Deathly Hallows: Part 2. Fiennes was 41 when filming began on the former film. While there is a big discrepancy between the ages of the character and actor, it is not something that is noticeable as Fiennes dons extensive makeup that not only makes Voldemort less human but also succeeds in making him appear older. In addition, wizards live longer than muggles in this world, so older wizards often appear younger than they otherwise would.

10 Robbie Coltrane (50) – Rubeus Hagrid (72)

Debuted In Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone

Another character who debuted in the first film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, was the lovable Hogwarts groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid – the person who tells Harry that he is a wizard. In the first film, Hagrid is 72 years of age. The beloved half-giant was brought to life by the late, great Robbie Coltrane, who played the character over the course of the entire series, although Hagrid’s role was sadly diminished more and more with each sequel.

Coltrane’s birth year of 1950 meant that he was 50 years old when filming began on Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Coltrane passed away in 2022, one of several Harry Potter cast members to have died following the end of the series. In a case of bittersweet irony, Coltrane was 72 years old, the same age as his beloved character Hagrid when he is first introduced in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

9 Richard Harris (69) – Albus Dumbledore (110)

Debuted In Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone

The oldest character in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is the mysterious Hogwarts headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. At the time of the first film, Dumbledore is a staggering 110 years old. Of course, no actor would be able to match that age upon casting, but it helps to set Dumbledore up as a truly epic and legendary character as well as one of the most powerful wizards in the Harry Potter universe.

Dumbledore was played by two actors throughout the Harry Potter films, with the late Richard Harris portraying the old wizard in the first two. When filming began in September 2000 for Sorcerer’s Stone, Harris was 69 years old with his 70th birthday coming a month later. Harris sadly passed away in 2002 at the age of 72. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was released after he had passed, featuring his final appearance as Dumbledore.

8 Michael Gambon (64) – Albus Dumbledore (112)

Debuted In Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban

With the passing of Richard Harris in 2002, the pivotal role of Dumbledore needed to be recast for the next Harry Potter adventure. Originally, Harris’ family had hoped that his old friend Peter O’Toole would be given the role, however, there were concerns about being able to ensure O’Toole given his age and health. Therefore, it was eventually decided that fellow Irish actor Michael Gambon would take over the role.

Taking place in the third year of Harry’s time at Hogwarts, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban would mean Dumbledore was 112 at the time with Gambon well below that age at 64 years old. Interestingly, Gambon brought a more aggressive and active take on the character compared to Harris’ version. While there is still some debate over which actor was better, Gambon was able to bring the necessary experience and stature to the iconic role.

7 Alan Rickman (54) – Severus Snape (31)

Debuted In Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone

Severus Snape is one of the most complex and interesting characters in the Harry Potter universe. He was initially portrayed as a petty teacher, not hiding his disdain for Harry. At worst, he was suspected to be a villain working alongside Voldemort. However, the more that is revealed, including Snape and Lily’s relationship, the more the audience comes to understand and respect Snape and his actions – although he remains one of the most divisive characters in the series. Rickman was 54 when filming began on Sorcerer’s Stone, over two decades older than his 31-year-old character.

Rickman was praised as one of the highlights of the series, however, the age discrepancy between actor and character has been called out as an issue. Snape was the same age as Harry’s parents, but looks much older than they would have been. While this may not seem like a huge deal, by having the Potters and their peers appear older than they are, the tragedy of their deaths at such a young age is softened. Sadly, Rickman passed away in 2016 at the age of 69.

6 Maggie Smith (65) – Minerva McGonagall (56)

Debuted In Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone

Aside from Snape, Minerva McGonagall was the most important and central Hogwarts teacher throughout the course of the series, appearing first in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and going right to the end of the franchise. Though she is tough and expects a lot as a teacher, it is never in question that McGonagall has the well-being of her students in mind. Legendary actor Maggie Smith was 65 when filming began on the first film, nine years older than her character Minerva McGonagall.

DID YOU KNOW:
Maggie Smith and Daniel Radcliffe had already worked together before the
Harry Potter
franchise, in the TV show
David Copperfield
(1999).

McGonagall was supposedly 56 during the events of the first film, marking another disparity between the actors of Harry Potter and their respective characters. However, Smith’s more experienced and established take on works perfectly for McGonagall, making her the perfect second-in-command at Hogwarts behind Dumbledore and cementing her power position once he is gone.

5 Helena Bonham Carter (45) – Bellatrix Lestrange (47)

Debuted In Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix

Bellatrix Lestrange is one of the most formidable villains in the Harry Potter series, serving as the most prominent member of the Death Eaters. She is a very skilled witch as well as a deadly warrior, even killing her own cousin Sirius Black in battle. Lestrange is introduced in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and quickly cements herself as one of the most exciting characters in the franchise, largely thanks to Helena Bonham Carter’s energetic performance.

Lestrange was born in 1951 and she was killed during the Battle of Hogwarts in 1998, which makes her 47 years old at the time of her death. Carter is slightly younger than the character she plays as she was 45 at the time of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the movie in which Lestrange met her satisfying demise. Interestingly, though Lestrange is older than some of the other adult characters in the story, Carter imbues her with a chilling child-like excitement which makes her villainous deeds more disturbing.

4 Timothy Spall (54) – Peter Pettigrew (37-38)

Debuted In Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban

Peter Pettigrew makes his first appearance in the Harry Potter movies as played by Timothy Spall in the third installment, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. However, with his appearance in that movie, it reveals he has actually been in the franchise from the beginning. It is revealed that Pettigrew had transformed himself into Ron Weasley’s pet rat, Scabbers, after faking his own death and framing Sirius. Though he betrayed Lily and James Potter, he was once their friend and was one of the Marauders, placing him around the same age.

Pettigrew was born in either 1959 or 1960, making him 37 or 38 when he died in The Deathly Hallows. Spall was nearly 20 years older, 54 by the time Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II was released. The age difference between the actor and the character is in keeping with the other Marauder characters Pettigrew would have grown up with, and comes with the same issues.

3 Natalia Tena (27) – Nymphadora Tonks (24-25)

Debuted In Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix

Among the members of the new Order of the Phoenix, Nymphadora Tonks is one of the younger members. However, she is still a skilled witch and dedicated warrior, having studied under Alastor Moody. She first appeared in the fifth Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Tonks was thought to have been born in 1972 or 1973. Like many others, she also died in the Battle of Hogwarts as depicted in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, making her 24 or 25. Actor Natalia Tena was slightly older than her character, being 27 at the time of the final movie.

The way Tonks’ age is depicted in the story is most interesting in relation to some romantic aspects of the character. When she is first introduced, Harry himself develops a quick crush on her, despite her being quite a bit older. However, over time, Tonks develops a relationship with her fellow member of the Order of the Phoenix, Remus Lupin, who is similarly older than her.

2 David Thewlis (50) – Remus Lupin (38)

Debuted In Harry Potter And The Prisoner of Azkaban

Remus Lupin makes for one of the most beloved heroes in the Harry Potter movies. He is another character who makes his first appearance in the franchise in the third movie, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. He is another mysterious professor at Hogwarts, initially seemingly like he might be a threat to Harry. While Lupin is hiding the fact that he is a werewolf, he is actually a dedicated protector of Harry and a founding member of the Order of the Phoenix.

Lupin was born in 1960 and died alongside his wife and the mother of his son, Tonks, during the Battle of Hogwarts. He was 38 years old at the time of his death in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. Actor David Thewlis carries on the trend of actors like Gary Oldman and Alan Rickman, being over a decade older than his character as he was 50 at the time of the final movie.

1 Imelda Staunton (51) – Dolores Umbridge (Late 30s/Early 40s)

Debuted In Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix

It is quite impressive that Dolores Umbridge is in a movie with the likes of Voldemort and the other Death Eaters, yet she still manages to be one of the most hated movie characters of all time. A very different villain for the Harry Potter series, Umbridge is an agent of the Ministry of Magic who comes to Hogwarts in order to fix the mistakes and issues she has with it, eventually becomes Headmistress (temporarily) when Albus Dumbledore is fired.

Umbridge’s age is not known in the books, but there is some indication that she might be of similar age as some of the other notable adult characters, with suggestions that she may have been born in the 1960s or earlier, making her perhaps in her late 30s or early 40s. This contrasts with the movie version of the character as Imelda Staunton was 51 when she debuted in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. While Staunton’s older take on the character gives Umbridge terrifying power, the younger version also helps show she is a fast climber.