Actress Shirley Henderson, famous for her role as Moaning Myrtle in ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,’ was a surprising 37 years old when she auditioned for the part of a 14-year-old character. In a recent interview with The Independent, the now 60-year-old actress revealed that she was advised not to disclose her real age during the casting process. Henderson shared, “The casting director said, ‘Go for it — and don’t mention your age.'” Despite her initial doubts about portraying a character half her age, Henderson ultimately secured the role.
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The petite actress, standing at 5 feet 1 inch, went all out for her audition as Moaning Myrtle, a ghostly character who haunts the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Henderson described her audition attire, saying, “I went to the audition dressed as a schoolgirl — white shirt, black skirt, ponytail — thinking, ‘This is ridiculous.’ I did my wee bit for them, and they thanked me.” Her unique approach paid off, as she was later offered the role due to her ability to embody the essence of a young character trapped in an older persona.
Reflecting on her experience, Henderson explained, “Myrtle is an old person in a young person’s body, and because she’s ghosty, there’s a kind of mistiness. You’re not looking closely at my face, so we could get away with it.” Despite concerns about playing a character significantly younger than herself, Henderson’s performance as Moaning Myrtle was well-received, adding a unique dimension to the popular film series.
Following the release of ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,’ Henderson noted that she was rarely recognized in public, unlike her younger co-stars who gained immense fame from the franchise. Stars like Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint shot to stardom with their roles in the iconic series, while Henderson’s portrayal of Moaning Myrtle allowed her to blend into the background, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
The ‘Harry Potter’ franchise has become a global phenomenon, producing seven books, eight movies, and a successful play. With a new spin-off series on the horizon, fans can expect a fresh take on the magical world created by J.K. Rowling. Warner Bros. Discovery has announced plans for a new ‘Harry Potter’ series, set to follow the original book series faithfully, with each season based on a single book. The spin-off aims to introduce the beloved story to new audiences while honoring the classic films that remain at the heart of the franchise.
As the magical journey continues with the upcoming ‘Harry Potter’ series, fans can look forward to revisiting the enchanting world of wizards, spells, and mysteries. Warner Bros. Discovery’s commitment to staying true to the essence of the original books ensures that both existing fans and newcomers can immerse themselves in the captivating realm of Hogwarts and its legendary characters. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest developments in the wizarding world as the new ‘Harry Potter’ series prepares to enchant audiences worldwide.
In conclusion, Shirley Henderson’s portrayal of Moaning Myrtle in ‘Harry Potter’ is a testament to her talent and versatility as an actress, transcending age boundaries to deliver a memorable performance. As the magical saga unfolds in the upcoming spin-off series, fans can expect a fresh perspective on the beloved story that continues to captivate audiences of all ages. With Warner Bros. Discovery’s dedication to honouring the original books, the enchanting world of ‘Harry Potter’ is set to embark on a new chapter, weaving its spellbinding magic on screens once again.