7 Harry Potter stars who did not pursue acting as a career

Not all Harry Potter stars stayed in the spotlight. Some actors led low-key, alternative lives or explored artistic pursuits outside of acting. They tried other things, such as directing, activism, cooking, and production work. A few of them still join fan events and remain connected to the Harry Potter universe.

Some faced psycho-social or legal issues that changed their paths. They are all unique, yet they demonstrate how life after the hullabaloo of celebrity can be unpredictable. These actors had new chances to grow beyond their iconic roles. The list includes seven cast members who stopped acting full-time after the series ended.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Readers’ discretion is advised.

The list of 7 Harry Potter stars who did not pursue acting

7. Chris Rankin (Percy Weasley)

Chris Rankin in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone | Image via Hotstar

Chris Rankin is popular for playing Percy Weasley in the Harry Potter movies. However, Chris left acting because he no longer enjoyed it and went back to university to pursue other interests. After Harry Potter, Chris worked on stage and television, but most of the time he moved behind the camera.

Now he works as a production controller for TV series like Downton Abbey and Atlantis. He also assists with production and directing tasks. The Harry Potter universe remains part of his life, even though he now focuses on other artistic activities, such as conventions and interviews.

6. Sean Biggerstaff (Oliver Wood)

Sean Biggerstaff as Oliver Wood | Image via SYFY

Sean Biggerstaff played Oliver Wood in Harry Potter. These days, he rarely appears in films or TV shows, but he has attended fan events. His lack of acting roles has not diminished the enjoyment of Harry Potter fans watching him as the energetic Quidditch captain.

He enjoyed working on the Harry Potter films, but he prefers a quieter life today, free of the frenetic lifestyle and responsibilities of acting.

5. Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood)

Luna Lovegood in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone | Image via Hotstar

Luna Lovegood was a character in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. Her popularity with Harry Potter allowed her to draw attention to causes she is passionate about. Evanna chose to focus heavily on her vegan and animal rights efforts. She has also attended vegan and animal welfare events.

She became a vegan activist and started a company that ships vegan beauty products. Luna's calm and energetic personality reflects Evanna's real-life character, where she works hard to promote animal rights.

4. Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley)

Bonnie Wright in Harry Potter | Image via Hotstar

Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley, shifted to behind-the-scenes work. Since the Harry Potter movies, Bonnie became interested in film directing and production. She moved from acting to writing & directing engaging content. She appeared in acting roles but mainly focused on filmmaking studies and projects.

She went on to direct a few short films and create artistic work on social issues and individual stories. The experience of playing Ginny enabled Bonnie to learn how to tell a story.

3. Donny Murray (Seamus Finnigan)

Seamus practicing the levitation charm with Harry Potter | Image via HBO

Devon Murray portrayed the Irish wizard who had the power to bring magical explosions. Despite his success, Devon did not live the busy lifestyle of an actor once the series ended. He suffered from depression throughout the years of filming and moved towards living a quieter life.

Devon does not seem to act much anymore, but does make appearances for fan conventions and remains active within the Harry Potter fan base.

2. Jamie Waylett (Vincent Crabbe)

Jamie Waylett in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire | Image via Hotstar

Jamie Waylett portrayed Vincent Crabbe in the Harry Potter movies. He had to abruptly end his acting career due to legal reasons, such as possession of illegal substances and his involvement in a violent disorder during protests. These problems brought jail time and harmed his prospects within the entertainment industry. Since this time, Jamie has, for the most part, avoided the spotlight and acting projects.

Jamie's personal setbacks brought an end to his acting career, but Crabbe's performance is still remembered by fans.

1. Oliver Phelps (George Weasley)

Phelps brothers in Harry Potter | Image via Hotstar

Oliver Phelps, who plays George Weasley, has not moved on to full-time acting like some of the co-stars. He and his twin brother James are still close to the Harry Potter universe, and they always attend fan events and conventions.

Oliver & James also create content, such as podcasts, charity live & recorded broadcasts. This preserves the engagement they have with the fans without a constant time commitment to acting.