Then and Now: The 'Harry Potter' Cast's Real-Life Journeys After the Wizarding World

More than two decades after "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" introduced a generation to the wizarding world, the film's cast has gone on to build careers — and lives — that reach far beyond Hogwarts.

When "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" hit theaters on Nov. 4, 2001, the world was introduced to a young cast that would grow up before our eyes. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson became household names, while veteran actors like Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane, and Alan Rickman added depth to the magical world of Hogwarts.

Now, decades after the franchise ended, the stars of "Harry Potter" have gone on to forge diverse careers and lives beyond the wizarding world.

Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint on the set of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" on March 18, 2005. | Source: Getty Images

Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter)

Daniel Radcliffe began his journey as the Boy Who Lived at just 11 years old. Since the final film, he has deliberately sought varied and challenging roles. Radcliffe starred in horror films like "The Woman in Black" (2012) and "Horns" (2013), romantic comedies like "What If" (2013), and period dramas such as "A Young Doctor's Notebook."

He played Allen Ginsberg in "Kill Your Darlings" (2013), took on fantasy again in "Victor Frankenstein" (2015), and turned heads in indie films like "Swiss Army Man" (2016) and "Imperium" (2016). His recent credits include "The Lost City" (2022) and "Weird: The Al Yankovic Story" (2022), for which he won a Critics' Choice Award.

On stage, Radcliffe earned acclaim in Broadway productions such as "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," "The Cripple of Inishmaan," and "The Lifespan of a Fact." In 2022, he starred in "Merrily We Roll Along," which transferred to Broadway in 2023. His performance earned him a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical in 2024.

Daniel Radcliffe attends Variety's The Business of Broadway Breakfast presented by City National Bank on October 2, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley)

Rupert Grint, who portrayed Ron Weasley, brought humor and heart to the films. After "Harry Potter," he appeared in films including "Into the White" (2012), "CBGB" (2013), and "Moonwalkers" (2015).

He also transitioned to the stage with notable performances in the West End revival of "Mojo" (2013) and the Broadway play "It's Only a Play" (2014).

Grint moved into television with roles in "Snatch," "Sick Note," and "The ABC Murders." He had a major role in the Apple TV+ series "Servant." In 2023, he returned to film in M. Night Shyamalan's "Knock at the Cabin," and he is set to star in "Nightborn," directed by Hanna Bergholm.

Emma Watson (Hermione Granger)

Emma Watson brought Hermione Granger to life at age 10. Off screen, she pursued academics, graduating from Brown University with a degree in English literature in 2014.

Watson's film work includes "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" (2012), "The Bling Ring" (2013), and "Noah" (2014). She also appeared in "This Is the End" (2013) as a fictionalized version of herself. In 2017, she starred as Belle in Disney's live-action "Beauty and the Beast." Other roles include "The Circle" (2017) and "Little Women" (2019).

Emma Watson attends Paris Fashion Week on July 4, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

Michael Gambon (Professor Albus Dumbledore)

Michael Gambon took over as Dumbledore following Richard Harris's death in 2002. An acclaimed actor long before "Harry Potter," Gambon continued performing on stage and screen after the franchise.

He starred in a stage production of Samuel Beckett's "All That Fall" in 2012 and appeared in films such as "Quartet" (2012) and "Victoria & Abdul" (2017). He also had roles in the BBC miniseries "The Casual Vacancy" and the film "Judy" (2019). Gambon, a licensed pilot and car enthusiast, appeared on "Top Gear."

He died in September 2023 at age 82. He is survived by his wife, Anne Miller; his partner, Philippa Hart; and their two sons.

Michael Gambon attends "Dad's Army" World Premiere on January 26, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. | Source: Getty Images

Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid)

Robbie Coltrane, beloved as Hagrid, was already one of Scotland's most well-known actors. After "Harry Potter," he voiced characters in "Arthur Christmas" (2011) and "Brave" (2012), and appeared in "Great Expectations" (2012), "Effie Gray" (2014), and the miniseries "National Treasure" (2016).

His final appearance was in the 2022 Max special "Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts." Coltrane died later that year at age 72. He had two children with ex-wife Rhona Gemmell.

obbie Coltrane on the set of the film "Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban" circa 2003 | Source: Getty Images

Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy)

Tom Felton became famous for playing Draco Malfoy, a role he took on at age 12. He won two MTV Movie & TV Awards for Best Villain. After "Harry Potter," he took on darker roles in films like "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" (2011), "The Apparition" (2012), "Belle" (2013), and "In Secret" (2013).

His later projects include "Ophelia" (2018), "Braking for Whales" (2019), "The Forgotten Battle" (2020), "Save the Cinema" (2022), and "Altered" (2024). He also appeared in TV shows like "Murder in the First," "The Flash," and "Origin," and will appear in the upcoming series "Gandhi."

Felton is also a musician and released three EPs in 2024: "ReD," "ORaNgE," and "YelLoW." He produced and directed the documentary "Tom Felton Meets the Superfans" (2015) and wrote a memoir in 2022, "Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard."

He has been in a relationship with jewelry designer Roxanne Danya since 2020.

From blockbuster hits to stage successes, and from academia to memoirs, the stars of "Harry Potter" have carved unique paths in the years since Hogwarts. Their journeys prove that while the story may have ended, the magic lives on.