Harry Melling

Harry Edward Melling was born on March 17, 1989, in London, England. His early career began at the age of 10 when he was cast as Dudley Dursley in the “Harry Potter” film series, a role he maintained across five films from 2001 to 2010. Following his initial success, Melling pursued formal training, joining the National Youth Theatre and later attending the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). His dedication to his craft led him to leave LAMDA early to join the cast of “Mother Courage and Her Children” at the National Theatre alongside Fiona Shaw, who also portrayed his on-screen mother in the Harry Potter films. This marked a significant turning point in his career, establishing his presence in the theatre.

Melling continued to build a substantial career in theatre, taking on diverse roles in productions such as Harold Pinter’s “The Hothouse,” “King Lear” opposite Glenda Jackson at the Old Vic Theatre, and the lead in the West End transfer of “Hand To God.” His transition to more mature and complex roles was further solidified with his entry into independent and mainstream cinema. In 2017, he secured a role in the Coen Brothers’ film “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs,” which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. This performance garnered attention and subsequently led to a series of significant film and television roles.

His career progression accelerated in recent years, with notable performances as Harry Beltik in “The Queen’s Gambit” (2020), Merrick in “The Old Guard” (2020), Roy Laferty in “The Devil All The Time” (2020), and Malcolm in “The Tragedy of Macbeth” (2021). Melling’s portrayal of a young Edgar Allan Poe in “The Pale Blue Eye” (2022) further showcased his versatility and depth as an actor, earning him recognition for his distinctive contributions to these projects. He continues to engage in diverse acting projects, balancing stage and screen work.