After The Magic: Where The Women Of Harry Potter Are Now?

Harry Potter is the second most successful film franchise of all time and fans couldn’t get enough of the magic. Although everyone loved Harry, there were a number of strong and talented women who enhanced the movies in so many ways. From Death Eaters to Order members, these actresses’ careers didn’t disapparate.

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.

Maggie Smith as Professor Minerva McGonagall – Then

Despite Professor Dumbledore being the face of Hogwarts, deputy headmistress Professor McGonagall was very much a close second. As a loyal member of the Order of the Pheonix, Minerva watched over Harry Potter as he was taken to the Dursley’s home, and then throughout his time at Hogwarts. McGonagall was a regular feature and strong character 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.