You know it’s going to be big when Harry Potter and Game of Thrones are mentioned in the same sentence. The film series and the TV show are similar in multiple ways. For starters, both are rare examples of an on-screen adaptation doing justice to its source material (the books). The mystical themes are yet another common factor. Both of these franchises, over the years, have developed a strong bond with their audience. Additionally, countless actors have appeared in both Harry Potter and Game of Thrones. Some of these names might even surprise you. A number of these stars have played significant roles in both series while others appeared in a limited capacity. So, without any further ado, here are 13 Actors who appeared in both Game of Thrones and Harry Potter:
13. Michelle Fairley
Michelle Fairley portrayed the character of Catelyn Stark (Ned Stark’s wife) in the first three seasons of Game of Thrones. Her portrayal was well-received by critics and viewers alike. Her edgy character made her stand out among the rest of the characters. Her absence was heavily felt in the show’s fourth season.
Her Harry Potter character, on the other hand, was not that prominent. She appeared in the Penultimate installment in the franchise (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1) as Hermione’s mother. Fairley’s role in the film was so brief that people find it hard to believe that she was a part of it.
12. Freddie Stroma
Stroma is credited for appearing in the last three Harry Potter movies. He brought the character of Cormac McLaggen to life. McLaggen appears quite arrogant and becomes the main reason behind his own team’s (Gryffindor) decisive loss, in a match against Hufflepuff where McLaggen is asked to replace Ron as the Keeper.
In, Game of Thrones, he pops up as Sam Tarly’s younger brother, Dickon Tarly in season 6. Although the character continues to appear throughout season 7, Stroma gets re-casted after his first appearance. Thus, a single-episode appearance got one of the biggest TV shows added to his acting credits.
11. Bronson Webb
In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Bronson Webb appears as a Slytherin ally of Draco Malfoy. Chances are that you will easily forget his role unless you are watching the film, especially for Webb.
In, Game of Thrones, he didn’t have a much-extended role either. Still, he played a prominent character Will, who deserted Night’s Watch after coming across White Walkers. He was even the first character in the show to see White Walkers. Due to his disloyalty, Will was executed by Ned Stark, and that wrapped up his arc. So, it can be said that Webb, through his brief appearances, got himself involved in two of the biggest on-screen franchises.
10. Sally Mortemore
Some of you might be surprised that Sally Mortemore appeared in either of the two franchises, let alone both. Well, it’s true. In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, she can be seen multiple times. She portrayed the Librarian of Hogwarts, Madame Pince. Her appearance alongside Professor Snape during the end-of-term feast might be the most memorable one of her scenes in the movie.
In, Game of Thrones, she has an even briefer role. In season 6, she made a cameo appearance as a Braavosi woman. She can be seen standing next to Arya Stark, which is all that the character offers.
9. Nicholas Blane
Like the previous two entries, Blane was a minor part of the Harry Potter film series as well. He embodied the character of a wizard named Bob in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, who used to work for Arthur Weasley.
Luckily in Game of Thrones, his role was a little more significant. He appeared as the Spice King of Qarth in season 2. In the city of Qarth, he was a trader of spices and refrained from using his name while dealing with foreigners to save them the trouble of pronouncing his name. He met his demise at the hands of a duplicate of Pyat Pree.
8. Daniel Tuite
Blink and you will miss it… well, that’s something that can be said about Daniel Tuite’s cameo in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1. He appears as a ministry wizard in a crowded hall. It’s very likely to miss out on his appearance due to its quickness.
On the other hand, he plays a comparatively substantial role in Game of Thrones. He replaced Tom Brooke as Lothar Frey in season 6 and appeared in around 4 episodes. As it is evident from the name, Lothar was the son of Walder Frey. In the season finale, he is killed off disturbingly by Arya Stark.
7. Julian Glover
Don’t be surprised if you have watched Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets multiple times and still haven’t caught a glimpse of Glover in it, regardless of him being in it. The reason is that he only voiced the character of Aragog, a giant spider in a restricted forest.
When it comes to his role in Game of Thrones, however, the same cannot be said. He appears sporadically during the first 6 seasons as Pycelle or the Grand Maester. His character is known for serving under several kings and his allegiance to different Houses. It’s quite interesting to see his character grow during the show.
6. Natalia Tena
Finally! Someone who has had the chance to play a prominent role in both franchises. Speaking about Harry Potter first, she portrayed the character of Nymphadora Tonks, who loses her cool when referred to as Nymphadora. She appeared in the final 4 Harry Potter films.
She appeared frequently during the first three seasons of Game of Thrones as Osha, who was tasked to protect Rickon Stark. After missing seasons 4 and 5, she returned to the 6th one where she finally met her demise at the hands of Ramsay Bolton. Osha was a wildling spearwife and her allegiance lay with House Stark.
5. Ralph Ineson
If you are looking for a wizard that is equally as ruthless and intimidating, look no further as Ralph Ineson’s portrayal of Amycus Carrow in multiple Harry Potter films is exactly that. Carrow was a death eater, in case the above description didn’t make it clear already.
In, Game of Thrones, he appeared as Dagmer Cleftjaw, an ironborn raider, and reaver, in the second season. Before meeting his demise at the hands of Ramsay Bolton, Cleftjaw had betrayed Theon Greyjoy after planning an attack on Winterfell with him.
4. David Bradley
Throughout the Harry Potter film series, the caretaker of Hogwarts Argus Filch (portrayed by David Bradley himself) can be seen roaming around the school in search of rule-breakers. The creepy side of his character involves him thinking of medieval approaches to punish the students.
His creepy (and violent) side is turned up by several notches in Game of Thrones where he portrayed the ruthless head of House Frey, Walder Frey. Despite appearing in a limited number of episodes, his cruel portrayal got him nominated for Best TV Villain at the 2013 IGN Awards. He can also be held responsible for the “Red Wedding”.
3. Ciaran Hinds
Before he played Steppenwolf in the live-action adaptation of the Justice League, Hinds appeared in both Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 and Game of Thrones. In Harry Potter, he replaced Jim McManus to take over the role of Aberforth Dumbledore, brother of Albus Dumbledore.
In, Game of Thrones, Hinds portrayed Mance Rayder and was one of Night’s Watch’s biggest opponents, in addition to helming the title of King-Beyond-the-Wall. He also used to serve Night’s Watch before becoming their nemesis. The alliance also led to Jon Snow showing mercy on him before he was about to be burnt alive. Snow instead ended his miseries quickly with an arrow shot.
2. Jim Broadbent
It’s not common for a Hogwarts Professor to come out of retirement and teach potions to aspiring witches and wizards. However, Professor Horace Slughorn (portrayed by Broadbent ) did that. Slughorn appeared in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince as well as the final installment of the series (Deathly Hallows – Part 2).
In, Game of Thrones, the English actor played Ebrose, the open-minded archmaester of the Citadel. He writes the history of Westeros in a book titled… take a guess real quick… yes, that’s right, “A Song of Ice and Fire”. The book is completed after the Battle of King’s Landing. Thus, it can be said that despite appearing in a handful amount of episodes, Broadbent’s character was a memorable one.
1. Ian Whyte
What better choice to end the list on a high note than to have the 7-foot-1 Ian Whyte top it? If you don’t recall seeing him in Harry Potter, it’s because he only appeared as a body double for Madame Olympe Maxime, due to which his face isn’t shown and he isn’t credited either. The film in question is Goblet of Fire.
In, Game of Thrones, however, his Giant physique helps him in more than one way… literally. He plays not one, not two but six different characters across the series. He portrayed:
- A White Walker
- Dongo the Doomed
- Wun Wun
- (5 and 6) Three Different Giant Whites
Honorable Mention: Edward Tudor-Pole
He appeared as Mr. Borgin in the Chamber of Secrets in a deleted scene. In, Game of Thrones, he popped up as a blustering preacher in one of season 2’s episodes. However, his contributions to both franchises, despite being minimal, should be highlighted.
So, how did you like our list of actors who appeared in both Game of Thrones and Harry Potter? Have you spotted any other actors that have appeared in both the Harry Potter and Game of Thrones series? Share with us in the comments section.
