Harry Melling, known to many as Dudley Dursley from the Harry Potter film franchise, has undergone a remarkable transformation, both physically and professionally. His journey is a testament to his dedication to his craft and his ability to redefine himself in the eyes of the public.
Early Career and the Harry Potter Years
Melling's acting career began at a young age with the Harry Potter films, where he portrayed the spoiled and often cruel Dudley Dursley, Harry Potter's cousin. The character, as depicted in the books and movies, was overweight, a trait Melling embodied during his time in the franchise. He appeared in five of the Harry Potter films, becoming a familiar face to millions of viewers worldwide.
The Weight Loss Journey
In 2009, Harry Melling experienced a significant weight loss. This transformation occurred around the time he enrolled in drama school. Melling himself has stated that his weight loss "was not a conscious decision at all, it was just something that happened." He explained that attending drama school led to a shift in his weight, "not for any sort of major need on my side, but it's just something that just happened."
Melling also reflected on how his weight loss opened up different casting opportunities. He noted, "of course that makes people see you in a different way, and maybe that opens up different casting opportunities. I don’t think that was a conscious decision."
The change was so dramatic that he was almost recast for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1. However, he ultimately reprised the role, wearing a fat suit to maintain Dudley's appearance.
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A Blessing in Disguise
Melling sees his transformation as a positive aspect of his life. "I think one of the blessings of that sort of stage in my life was the fact that I didn't get recognized," he admitted. This newfound anonymity allowed him to reinvent himself and pursue a wider range of roles. He felt like he "had the opportunity to sort of cause a new start."
Post-Harry Potter Career
Since his Harry Potter days, Melling has built an impressive and diverse filmography. Some of his notable roles include:
- The Old Guard: Alongside Charlize Theron.
- The Devil All The Time: Where he played an evangelical preacher with Robert Pattinson and Tom Holland.
- The Queen's Gambit: Where he starred as Harry Beltik, a chess champion, alongside Anya Taylor-Joy and Thomas Brodie-Sangster.
- The Tragedy of Macbeth: Where he portrayed Malcolm, the son of Duncan, alongside Brendan Gleeson, Frances McDormand, and Denzel Washington.
- The Pale Blue Eye: A whodunit thriller where he plays Edgar Allan Poe alongside Christian Bale.
Melling has also appeared in stage productions such as The Provoked Wife, King John, Antigone, and Plenty. In 2009, he starred in a revival of Mother Courage and Her Children at the Royal National Theatre. He also appeared in an episode of the BBC television series Merlin, playing a young warlock.
Reflections on Harry Potter and Co-stars
Despite his success beyond the wizarding world, Melling acknowledges the impact of Harry Potter on his life. He is amazed that the franchise still has a large presence in the world, even 20 years after the first film's release. He shared that his friends' children watch it and suddenly recognize him as Dudley Dursley.
However, he admits that he hasn't kept in touch with many of his former co-stars like Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, and Tom Felton. He reflected: “It’s that weird thing, we did it when we were so young. I think everyone’s sort of gone off and done their own things. A lot of them have left the UK, which is interesting."
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Current Projects
In 2024, it was announced that Harry Melling will play Alexander Skarsgard's submissive in the kinky queer romance Pillion.
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