When fans think of the quirky and emotional ghost Moaning Myrtle from the Harry Potter films, they often picture a young teenage girl haunting the Hogwarts bathrooms. But few realize that the actress behind the character, Shirley Henderson, was actually 37 years old when she auditioned for the role — and was advised to stay silent about her real age.
In a recent interview, Henderson opened up about the surprising casting process and how she ended up portraying one of the franchise’s most memorable characters despite being more than two decades older than the role required.
A Casting Call Full of Surprises
Henderson revealed that when she was first approached to audition for a character in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, she had little idea what the global phenomenon was all about.
She shared that she didn’t initially know the world of Harry Potter, but her sister — who happened to be staying with her — had read the books and encouraged her to give it a try. Even then, Henderson herself doubted she could convincingly portray a 14-year-old because she was already in her late 30s.
Still, the casting team had something very different in mind. According to Henderson, she was explicitly told:
“Go for it — and don’t mention your age.”
That one line set the tone for an unexpected journey into one of the world’s most famous fantasy franchises.
Transforming Into a Teenage Ghost
Despite her hesitation, Henderson decided to fully commit to the audition. She dressed exactly like a schoolgirl — white shirt, black skirt, hair in a ponytail — and walked into the audition room feeling somewhat ridiculous. But her petite frame, standing at 5 feet 1 inch, combined with her expressive acting, helped her pull off the illusion of youth far better than she expected.
She performed her scene, thanked the team, and left without expecting much. Months passed, and she assumed she hadn’t been selected. But then came the call that changed everything: the team wanted to see her again. Soon after, she was officially offered the role of Moaning Myrtle.
Henderson explained that the character’s unique nature helped make the casting believable. Myrtle is a ghost, suspended in a space between life and death, and described as an old soul trapped in the body of someone young.
According to Henderson, this mysterious and misty quality worked in her favor. Since Myrtle appears in an ethereal, ghost-like form, the audience wouldn’t be closely examining her real age. This allowed her performance to shine through without distraction.
The Unexpected Disguise of Fame
Unlike her young costars — Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint — who shot to worldwide fame overnight, Henderson experienced a very different outcome. Because she played a ghost rather than a living student, she was rarely recognized by fans on the street.
While her voice and performance left a strong impression, her onscreen makeup, hairstyle and ghostly effects made her almost unrecognizable in real life.
This allowed her to keep a level of normalcy that her much younger colleagues couldn’t enjoy. For Henderson, it became a unique experience of being part of a global phenomenon without the pressures of sudden celebrity.
The Ever-Growing Harry Potter Universe
More than two decades after Chamber of Secrets, the Harry Potter world continues to grow. What began as a young adult book series expanded into eight blockbuster films, theme parks, merchandise, and even a successful stage play. And now, the magical universe is preparing for a brand-new chapter — a TV series adaptation.
The upcoming show will bring the story back to the small screen, this time with a deeper and more faithful retelling of the books. Each season is expected to focus on one book in the series, allowing the storylines, characters and magical world to be explored in greater detail.
The new adaptation promises to stay true to the original novels while introducing the story to a whole new generation of fans. Meanwhile, the original films will remain available globally as the foundation of the franchise’s legacy.
Why Shirley Henderson’s Story Still Fascinates Fans
Henderson’s casting journey is a reminder of how unpredictable and creative the world of filmmaking can be. The idea that a 37-year-old actress could convincingly portray a 14-year-old ghost might seem unusual, but her performance ultimately became iconic.
Her voice, expressions and comedic timing turned Moaning Myrtle into a fan-favorite character — simultaneously tragic, funny and unforgettable.
And perhaps most importantly, her story highlights how talent, dedication and a bit of imagination can break even the most standard Hollywood rules.