50 Facts About Matthew Lewis

Early Life and Family Background

Matthew Lewis, known for his role as Neville Longbottom, has an interesting background that shaped his career.

1. Matthew David Lewis was born on June 27, 1989, in Leeds, West Yorkshire.
2. Parents: His parents are Adrian Lewis and Lynda Needham.
3. Siblings: He has two older brothers, Chris and Anthony. Chris works as a film editor, while Anthony is an actor.
4. Education: Lewis attended St Mary's Menston Catholic Voluntary Academy.

The Start of an Acting Career

Before becoming a household name, Lewis had humble beginnings in the acting world.

5. First Role: His acting debut came in 1995 with the television series "Some Kind of Life."
6. Early TV Appearances: He guest-starred in dramas for ITV and BBC One.

The Harry Potter Phenomenon

Matthew Lewis's role as Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter series catapulted him to fame.

7. Audition: He attended an open audition for "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" at the Queens Hotel in Leeds.
8. Screen Test: He performed a screen test for director Chris Columbus and landed the role of Neville Longbottom.
9. Neville Longbottom: Lewis played Neville from 2001 to 2011, appearing in all eight films.
10. Physical Transformations: For the role, he wore false teeth, shoes two sizes too big, a fat suit, and ear prosthetics.
11. Favorite Lines: His favorite lines come from "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets."
12. On-Set Accident: During "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," Helena Bonham Carter accidentally ruptured his eardrum with her wand.
13. Critical Praise: His performance in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2" received critical acclaim.

Life After Harry Potter

After the Harry Potter series, Lewis continued to build his acting career with various roles.

14. The Syndicate: In 2012, he portrayed Jamie Bradley in the BBC One drama "The Syndicate."
15. Stage Debut: He made his stage debut in April 2011 as Lester Cole in Agatha Christie's "Verdict."
16. West End Debut: From September to December 2012, he played Mick in "Our Boys" at the Duchess Theatre.
17. The Rise: He co-starred in the 2012 crime film "The Rise," which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
18. Bluestone 42: Lewis starred in two series of the black comedy "Bluestone 42" in 2013.
19. Death in Paradise: In 2015, he guest-starred on the crime drama "Death in Paradise."
20. Me Before You: He played Patrick in the 2016 film "Me Before You," which was a box office hit.
21. Ripper Street: He appeared in the crime dramas "Ripper Street" and "Happy Valley."
22. Girlfriends: In 2018, he starred in the ITV drama "Girlfriends."
23. Terminal: He appeared in "Terminal," which premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in 2018.
24. Baby Done: In 2020, he starred in "Baby Done," which received positive reviews.
25. All Creatures Great and Small: From 2020-2021, he starred in Channel 5’s "All Creatures Great and Small," earning critical praise.

Personal Interests and Fan Engagement

Lewis has a life outside of acting, filled with personal interests and fan interactions.

26. Football Fan: His favorite football team is Leeds United.
27. Schooling: He attended St Mary's High School in Menston, West Yorkshire.
28. Early TV Roles: Before Harry Potter, he appeared in shows like "Heartbeat," "Dalziel and Pascoe," and "This is Personal: The Hunt for the Yorkshire Ripper."
29. Harry Potter Wiki: He is featured on the Harry Potter Wiki for his extensive work in the series.
30. Charity Work: Lewis supports various charitable causes, including mental health and children’s welfare.
31. Fan Expo: At FAN EXPO Canada 2022, he discussed reading "Harry Potter and The Cursed Child" for the first time.
32. The Cursed Child: He believes "Harry Potter and The Cursed Child" needs more Neville.
33. Memorabilia: He shared what he took from the Harry Potter set, revealing memorable experiences.
34. Director David Yates: Lewis has discussed working with director David Yates and the emotional depth of Neville Longbottom.
35. Character Evolution: He talked about how Neville evolved from a timid student to a brave wizard.
36. Favorite Moments: His favorite moments include scenes where Neville shows courage, like during the Battle of Hogwarts.
37. Behind-the-Scenes Stories: He shared stories from the set, including the eardrum incident with Helena Bonham Carter.
38. Social Media: Lewis engages with fans on social media, often responding to messages and sharing content.

Career Milestones and Collaborations

Lewis's career is marked by significant milestones and collaborations with talented individuals.

39. Breakthrough Role: His role as Neville Longbottom was a significant breakthrough.
40. Versatility: He has shown versatility by taking on diverse roles in various genres.
41. Pop Culture Impact: The Harry Potter series has had a profound impact on popular culture.
42. Neville's Legacy: Neville Longbottom symbolizes courage and determination in the Harry Potter universe.
43. Dedicated Fan Base: Lewis has a dedicated fan base, admiring his portrayal of Neville.
44. Personal Growth: He has grown both personally and professionally through his experiences.
45. Stage Debut: His stage debut in "Verdict" was a career milestone.
46. Collaborations: He has worked with actors and directors like Helena Bonham Carter and David Yates.
47. Fan Events: Lewis participates in fan events, sharing his Harry Potter experiences.
48. Behind-the-Scenes Insights: He provides insights into the making of the Harry Potter films.
49. Philanthropy: His philanthropic efforts include supporting mental health awareness and helping children.
50. Career Evolution: From early TV dramas to critically acclaimed films, Lewis has evolved as an actor.

Matthew Lewis: A Journey from Hogwarts to Hollywood

Matthew Lewis has come a long way since his days as Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter series. From his early start in television to his breakout role in one of the most beloved film franchises, Lewis has shown incredible versatility. He's not just the awkward kid from Hogwarts anymore; he's a seasoned actor with a diverse portfolio. Whether it's his memorable stage debut, his roles in TV dramas like "The Syndicate" and "Bluestone 42," or his critically acclaimed performance in "All Creatures Great and Small," Lewis continues to impress. His dedication to his craft and his philanthropic efforts make him a standout figure in the entertainment industry. Fans appreciate his down-to-earth nature and his willingness to engage with them. Matthew Lewis's journey is far from over, and we can't wait to see what he does next.