Have you watched the Harry Potter films? While not everyone has seen them, most people have either watched or at least heard of this incredible film series. Today, we’ll discuss the life and career of Matthew Lewis, the English actor from Leeds, who played Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter films. Learn more about him on leedski.com.
Career Development
Matthew Lewis was born in Leeds in 1989 and attended St Mary’s Menston Catholic Voluntary Academy. He comes from a family with ties to the film industry: his older brother Chris is a film editor, and Anthony is an actor.
Matthew began his acting journey at the age of five, making his debut in the 1995 television film Some Kind of Life. He also played roles in BBC One’s crime drama Dalziel and Pascoe, as well as in the series Heartbeat and Where the Heart Is.
Global Recognition
Matthew’s breakthrough came when he was cast as Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter film series. In 1999, casting calls for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone were held across the UK, and Matthew, a fan of the books, attended an open audition in Leeds. Two months later, he was selected for the role. The film premiered in 2001 and became a global sensation.
Matthew reprised his role as Neville in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. He also starred in both parts of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2010–2011).
Although the Harry Potter films brought him international fame, Matthew also found success in other projects. In 2012, he starred in the BBC One drama series The Syndicate. His subsequent roles include appearances in Our Boys, Rise, Bluestone 42, Death in Paradise, Ripper Street, and Happy Valley.
In 2022, Matthew returned to the Harry Potter universe with an appearance in Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts.
About Harry Potter
The Harry Potter films are a British-American series based on J.K. Rowling’s novels. The saga consists of eight films released between 2001 and 2011, chronicling the adventures of a young wizard named Harry Potter.
Produced by Warner Bros., with input from Heyday Films and 1492 Pictures, the series has captivated audiences worldwide. It begins with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, where Harry learns at age 11 that he is a wizard and his parents were killed by the dark wizard Lord Voldemort. Harry embarks on his journey at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, gaining fame in the magical world.
Personal Life
In 2018, Matthew married Angela Jones. He is also actively involved in charity, serving as the president of the Leeds Rugby Foundation.
Final Thoughts
Matthew Lewis’s portrayal of Neville Longbottom catapulted him to fame, but his career extends beyond the Harry Potter films. We hope you found this article insightful and learned more about Leeds and its famous personalities.