Ten “Potter” Actors Who Made a Solid Impact Despite Little Screen Time
An actor’s performance can make a viewer feel a plethora of emotions, transporting us right into the scenes. Even the smallest role can leave us with the heaviest tears or the biggest smile – as we know from the appearances of various actors in the Harry Potter movies, whose performances are cherished even if they are just a blink of the films’ runtimes.
Sir John Hurt as Garrick Ollivander
Who better to play the old wandmaker of Diagon Alley than Sir John Hurt? Even with his short appearance in the first movie, Mr. Ollivander certainly leaves a mark. His infamous, gravelly words “Curious, very curious” lead us into the first instance where Harry’s scar is linked to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Sir John Hurt reprises his role as Mr. Ollivander in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, where he again thrills with his performance.
Jeff Rawle as Amos Diggory
The screams of a helpless father mourning over the dead body of his young boy were so gut-wrenching and terror-filled that they left us in tears. Amos Diggory’s pain and shock are played skillfully by Jeff Rawle, and his organic and crude portrayal is remembered passionately by Potterheads. His raspy screams, “That’s my boy,” coupled with the image of Cedric’s lifeless body, are enough to melt any heart.
Lee Ingleby as Stan Shunpike
Lee Ingleby’s awkward yet hilarious portrayal of the unkempt conductor of the Knight Bus is quite memorable. The scene where the triple-decker bus zooms in and out is one of the funniest moments in the Potter films, and Lee Ingleby’s comedic acting adds another layer. His delivery of lines such as “What you are doing down there?” and “What you fell over for?” make for a good reason to giggle. Another of his iconic lines, “He’s a murderer” – regarding Sirius Black – has also become a fan-favorite quote.
Eric Sykes as Frank Bryce
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire has a horror-filled start. Sykes takes center stage as Frank Bryce, the caretaker of the Riddle House, who was an innocent person in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sykes expertly expresses the shock and confusion of a bystander overhearing the conversation between the Dark Lord and his minions. Despite Sykes having screen time of just three minutes, Frank Bryce’s death pulls us into the movie and shifts the storyline drastically.
George Harris as Kingsley Schacklebolt
George Harris first appears as Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt in Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix, when the Advance Guard rescues Harry from the Dursleys’ home. His line “Dumbledore’s got style” is remembered as one of the most iconic moments in the movies – and his excellent performance doesn’t stop there. His slow, deep voice announcing the fall of Ministry at Bill and Fleur’s wedding stuns the audience both inside and outside the screen. Harris also makes a climactic entry as Shacklebolt in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows – Part 2 with the rest of the Order. He doesn’t have extensive dialogue in the scenes of the war, but his presence is well felt.
Ekow Quartey as Bem
Listed as “Boy 1” in the credits of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Ekow Quartey delivered his lines with such intensity and earnestness that makers granted him the name “Bem” in the DVD version. He has only two lines: “It’s among the darkest omens in our world; it’s an omen of death” and “That’s right – Black could be anywhere. It’s like trying to catch smoke, like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands.” But these lines are conveyed with such deep conviction and wit that Bem was apparently transferred into Ravenclaw – because Ekow Quartey appears as “Ravenclaw Boy” in Order of the Phoenix.
Bill Nighy as Rufus Scrimgeour
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 opens with the powerful voice of Bill Nighy as the Minister of Magic. His acting can surely raise the hair on your neck! Though his screen time is minimal, Nighy’s extensive range of expressions also embellishes the scene where he reads Dumbledore’s will to the trio.
Frank Dillane as 16-year-old Tom Riddle
Horace Slughorn’s hidden memory descends into a frightening conversation about the darkest magic known to the wizarding world, and Dillane’s mannerisms in this scene subtly and expertly show Riddle’s thirst for power and greed. His tiny gestures, such as tilting his head and calling Horace “Sir” in a manipulative way, set the whole tone of the memory.
Siân Thomas as Amelia Bones
During Harry’s disciplinary hearing, the only voice from the Wizengamot that comforts Harry was that of Madam Bones. Thomas portrayed Bones as a fair, unbiased witch who isn’t intimidated by Fudge and gives Harry a chance to defend himself. The moment she raises her hand to clear Harry from all charges concludes the hearing.
Nick Moran as Scabior
Moran’s portrayal of Scabior as a scary, mysterious Snatcher had everyone on the edge. Though he first appears in the beginning of the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, the scene that solidifies Moran’s embodiment of the character is the one where he and Hermione are separated by a protective charm.
