Harry Potter fans make shocking confession over Moaning Myrtle actor’s real age

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Harry Potter fans were surprised to learn this week that Shirley Henderson, who played Moaning Myrtle, was 37 years old when she auditioned for the role of the 14-year-old character. This revelation has led to a surprising admission.

The Harry Potter series is entering a new chapter with a fresh cast of actors stepping into the iconic roles for an upcoming HBO show, aiming to bring the magic to a new generation of viewers.

J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books first became movies in the early 2000s, launching the careers of the actors who played Harry, Hermione, and Ron – Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint.

Many Harry Potter fans probably don’t realize the teenage ghost who haunted the Hogwarts bathrooms was actually played by an actress who was in her late thirties at the time.

Moaning Myrtle star’s real age sparks Harry Potter confession

Shirley Henderson, known for playing Moaning Myrtle in the Harry Potter films, recently shared in an interview with the Independent that she was 37 years old when she auditioned for the role. She recalled the casting director encouraging her to try out, but specifically advising her not to reveal her age.

The news has caused a lot of conversation online, and many fans admitted they initially believed the character was actually Daniel Radcliffe wearing a wig.

In a recent interview, Henderson explained that when he was initially asked to audition, he wasn’t familiar with Harry Potter. Luckily, his sister, who was visiting at the time, had read the books.

Even so, I doubted I could convincingly portray a 14-year-old girl, as I was in my thirties at the time. I went to the audition wearing a schoolgirl outfit – a white shirt, black skirt, and ponytail – and honestly thought the whole thing was silly.

Shirley Henderson, the actress who played Moaning Myrtle in the Harry Potter films, was 37 years old when she auditioned for the role of the 14-year-old character. She was reportedly told by the casting director to try out and not reveal her age. (Source: The Independent)

— TopMob (@TopMob) November 26, 2025

I played a small role and received thanks. I assumed that was the end of it, but then they contacted my agent and asked me to audition again. They offered me the part of Myrtle, who is an elderly woman trapped in a young body. Because Myrtle is a ghost, the character has a hazy, ethereal quality.

“You’re not looking closely at my face, so we could get away with it.”

One fan responded to the discussion by saying they used to believe Moaning Myrtle was actually Daniel Radcliffe wearing a wig when they were a child.

One person commented they initially believed the actor was Daniel Radcliffe wearing a wig, and another asked if anyone else shared that impression.

Someone else added, “She resembled Daniel so strongly, I honestly thought they’d simply disguised him with a wig and a dress.”

Many viewers are complimenting Shirley Henderson’s performance, with one person calling her portrayal of a 14-year-old at age 37 “one of the most brilliant casting choices ever.” They praised her ability to completely embody the character.

One person noted that if an actor is convincing, age doesn’t matter, and she certainly was. Another commented on how flawlessly she performed the role, highlighting her impressive acting ability.

Want to learn more about the world of Hogwarts? We’ve got the latest on the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, including details on potential casting choices like Cillian Murphy as Voldemort, and an introduction to Paapa Essiedu, who will be playing Snape.

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2025-11-26 17:19