Everyone knows the story of Harry Potter, but few people know about what went down behind the scenes of the movies or what inspired J.K. Rowling to write one of the most read series in the world. These 25 little-known Harry Potter facts that will knock you off your broomstick will give you a glimpse into the makings of the series that changed the future of children’s literature and made the muggle world a little more magical. Although the beloved series officially drew to a close last summer, for the Harry Potter generation, the story will live on forever. Happy birthday to the boy who captured the hearts of an entire generation and the incredible author who made it all possible.
Harry’s birthday is July 31, 1980. Rowling’s birthday is also July 31 – but in 1966.The actress who played Moaning Myrtle was 37 years old at the time “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” was filmed. She is the oldest actress to ever portray a Hogwarts student.Ron Weasley’s character originally swore a lot, but Rowling’s publisher wouldn’t let her use that sort of language because it would’ve been inappropriate for young readers.Rowling’s publisher suggested she use initials rather than her real name, “Joanne Rowling,” in order to appeal to male readers. She chose J.K., borrowing the “K” from her grandmother’s name, Kathleen. However, neither “Kathleen” nor “K” is part of her legal name.Only Alan Rickman, the actor who played Professor Snape, knew his character’s fate before the release of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” because Rowling told him.Rowling said the inspiration for the name of Harry’s school in the books, “Hogwarts,” may have unconsciously come from the name of a plant she saw in the Kew Gardens in New York City.Rupert Grint dressed up like his female drama teacher and rapped about Ron Weasley for his audition tape. His rap began, “Hello, my name is Rupert Grint, I hope you don’t think I stink.”Contrary to popular belief, the ‘t’ at the end of Voldemort is silent. The name comes from the French words meaning “flight of death.”J.K. Rowling slightly based 11-year-old Hermione on herself at the same age. She even made Hermione’s patronus her favorite animal, an otter.An outbreak of lice occurred among the children cast members during the filming of “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.”Tom Felton auditioned for the roles of Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, but was chosen to play Draco Malfoy instead.The idea for Sirius Black’s tattoos came from those used in Russian prison gangs. The markings identify the person as someone to be feared and respected.Robbie Coltrane, the actor who played Hagrid in the films, has gotten a mini-fan and a fruit bat stuck in his famous, shaggy beard.Dementors, the deadly phantoms that guard Azkaban Prison, represent depression and were based on Rowling’s struggle with the disease.Over 400 million Harry Potter books in 67 languages have been sold worldwide as of 2008.1 2
i love the films im a total harry potter geek i knew all the facts
Knew all except for 7.
As to McGonagall being an accomplished Quidditch player in her student days, yes she was. Pottermore to find it out..
See what I did there? Potter….more? Pottermore?
i love harry potter i have got all nobel collection and books and films
The snake Harry releases in the first book/movie turns out to be Nagini later on.
That’s actually false. They’re two different snakes, and the one harry freed was male while Nagini was a female.
I red somewhere else that the dementors were based on Jk Rowlings childhood nightmares
They were inspired by her depression. She even said so herself in various interviews.
I am 10 and I read jk.rowlings series in 6 moths & 2 days I love every thing about the books & the movies.
me to
HARRY POTTER ROCKS
i read them in less than one month
Hi, I know this is a very old post but I wanted to light all of you about what I just read:
VOLDEMORT IN FRENCH HAS 2 TRANSLATIONS, in fact, VOL can be translated to thief or flight eitherway here, flight of the death is definitly not the good sense that J.K Rowling meant to introduce. SO BY NOW VOLDEMORT IS IN FACT DEATHTHIEF.
And it suits…
he split his soul into 7 (w/o realizing that to Harry’s body too, right?) and the people he killed were imprisoned in his wand.. Thank you French Teacher!! I would be happy to know more facts. ^_^
J.K. made me love Harry Potter more. And I think it’s FOREVER… <3
How could I ever thank Rowling for keeping me in touch with HP? Millions of xoxoxo…. <3 ^_^
Also, HP characters & actors did inspire me. I love them very much.
~GinnyPotter
Also, Tom Felton’s robe pockets were sewn shut to stop him from sneaking snacks off the set.
I already knew about half of them and don’t think i am exaggerating because i am not but i didn’t know about half of them so thanks for teaching me those.
LONG LIVE HARRY POTTER!
Harry rules!
I absolutely love your blog and find many of your post’s to be exactly I’m looking for.
Would you offer guest writers to write content for you personally?
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Really good stories and movies
uh no its not. its july 23. idiot
I think you are the idiot you insufferable jackass.
It’s July 31 stupid. Read the books.
Lol, I’m sorry, but that conversation was hilarious. His Birthday is July 31st, and I find it really funny that Newt is calling someone an idiot when he doesn’t even know himself. Lol
The least successful Harry Potter film, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” made $90 million more than the most successful Twilight movie. boo hoo twilight
The birthday thing isn’t really a coincidence. She created the stories, so she can pick the birthday of the characters… How is that ironic ???
Wll The Real COincidence is Daniel Radcliff bday is also july 31
uh no its not. harrys is july 31 daniels is july 23. idiot
i love watching the films