Do you want to know who the most successful Hogwarts graduate is?
There was a time when Harry Potter seemed to be everywhere. Between the books and movies our favourite Hogwarts pupils were never far away. However, since the last movie hit our screens in 2011 we have had to make do with re-watching and re-reading, until now. With JK Rowling announcing that Harry Potter is going to be hitting the stage with ‘Cursed Child’ it’s time to take to look back at the Hogwarts graduates and see how successful they have been.
Daniel Radcliffe, aka Harry Potter
It seems fitting that the star of the series has achieved high levels of success since he left Hogwarts behind. His acting achievements can be seen in movies such as The Woman in Black, Kill Your Darlings and Horns, where Daniel demonstrates that he can be just as successful as an adult actor as he was a child actor. He has also receive critical acclaim for his stage work both during and after leaving Hogwarts.
Not only has been successful in his acting career he also seems to have successfully stayed grounded, despite being one of the richest young people in the UK when Harry Potter first ended. He has been politically motivated and become involved in charitable work with the Trevor Project, speaking out against Homophobia. All in all, Harry Potter has grown up to be a very decent and very successful young man.
Emma Watson, aka Hermione Granger
Since Harry Potter came to an end Emma’s Watson’s career has gone from strength to strength. She may not have earned the high sums of money that Daniel Radcliffe enjoys but it can be argued that she has out achieved his level of success on other levels. Not only did she graduate from Brown University with a Bachelor’s degree, she is also a certified yoga and meditation instructor, has enjoyed a successful modelling career, has transitioned into playing adult roles in movies such as The Perks of Being a Wallflower and has become a UN Goodwill Ambassador. There seems to be nothing that this woman can’t do.
Rupert Grint, aka Ron Weasley
Unfortunately Rupert Grint has not enjoyed the levels of success that his Hogwarts buddies have. His acting career since Harry Potter finished has not been anything close to the careers of his two co-stars, however, he has made his stage debut, appeared in a few UK independent films and an Ed Sheeran music video, as well as lending his voice to a character in Postman Pat. It’s not the same level as Harry Potter but it keeps him busy.
James & Oliver Phelps – Fred & George Weasley
James and Oliver Phelps are the two cast members who seem to have the hardest time letting go of their Hogwarts days. They frequently attend Potter related events, much to the fans delight. They have also starred in a documentary, been cast in a few films and had a guest appearance on Silent Witness. Although they won’t be challenging Daniel or Emma for the ‘most successful’ crown, they have been known to get involved in various charitable activities and so that is successful in it’s own way.
Robert Pattinson, aka Cedric Diggory
Robert Pattinson was virtually unknown before being cast as Cedric Diggory, but it was the role that would see him catapulted on the walls of teenagers around the world. The Twilight Saga then made Robert Pattinson a household name and a very bankable Hollywood star. He has now survived two movie franchises and his acting career is still going strong. Robert is definitely one of the most successful Hogwarts graduates.
Tom Felton, aka Draco Malfoy
Tom Felton actually had a successful acting career before he ever went to Hogwarts. Since graduating he has been cast in a few films such as Planet of the Apes and some TV programmes. Tom is another one who finds it hard to let go of his schools days and is often found at Harry Potter conventions with James and Oliver.
Chris Rankin – Percy Weasley
After leaving Hogwarts it would be easy for any these graduates to sit back and enjoy the high levels of success that they had just experienced. Whilst Chris Rankin hasn’t chosen to do nothing, he has chosen to take his career in a slightly different direction. He is the co-founder of a theatre company called Painted Horse UK, has appeared in various pantomimes and has graduated from the University of Lincoln.
Matthew Lewis – Neville Longbottom
Matthew Lewis is arguably the graduate who has physically changed the most since his Hogwarts days. He may have to be content with being admired for his looks as he has not achieved a great deal of success in the acting department. He has appeared in a few films and TV series and tried his hand on the stage, however, nothing compared to the levels of success of his cast mates.
Evanna Lynch – Luna Lovegood
Evanna Lynch has not rivalled the likes of Daniel, Emma or Robert in her post Potter acting credentials. She has appeared in a few films, TV series and stage productions, however, her biggest claim to success is being an advocate of positive body image for young people. Having overcome anorexia nervosa herself she has felt it is important to promote self esteem and body confidence. She has also been involved in charity work for causes such as Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland and the Harry Potter Alliance, who fought in favour of same sex marriage.
