Shirley Henderson Reveals: “I Lied About My Age to Play Moaning Myrtle”
Orbit Standard | Entertainment News
Shirley Henderson, best known to millions as the unforgettable Moaning Myrtle from the Harry Potter films, has revealed how she landed the role of a 14-year-old ghost despite being 37 years old at the time.
The actress, now 59, first appeared as the tearful bathroom-haunting student in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002). Though the character died young at Hogwarts, Henderson was already in her late thirties when she auditioned — and she admits she got the part by keeping her real age under wraps.
“Don’t mention your age” — The advice that changed everything
Speaking to The Independent, Henderson shared that the casting director encouraged her to go for the role without revealing her age.
“The casting director said, ‘Go for it — and don’t mention your age.’”
Her naturally youthful appearance made it easier to pass for the teenage ghost, and with no one questioning her age, she moved forward in the audition process without hesitation.
Not a Potter fan at the time — and still unrecognised afterward
In a separate conversation with Radio Times, the actress admitted she was unfamiliar with Harry Potter before she auditioned. Her sister, who happened to be staying with her, was the one who encouraged her to take the opportunity seriously.
Still unsure she could convincingly portray a 14-year-old, Henderson decided to commit fully to the look:
“I went to the audition dressed as a schoolgirl — white shirt, black skirt, ponytail — thinking, ‘This is ridiculous.’”
Months later, she received a call from her agent: the team wanted to see her again — and then offered her the role.
Despite the massive global success of Harry Potter, Henderson says she was rarely recognised in public.
“I don’t think anybody recognised me at all,” she said, noting that the ghostly, misty appearance of Moaning Myrtle helped her blend into everyday life even after the films were released.
She reprised the role in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire at age 40, still appearing convincingly youthful thanks to the character’s ethereal design.
Why she got away with it: “Myrtle is an old person in a young body”
Henderson believes the nature of Moaning Myrtle allowed her to transcend the age gap.
“Myrtle is an old person in a young person’s body, and because she’s ghosty, there’s a mistiness. You’re not looking closely at my face, so we could get away with it.”
Shirley Henderson’s career beyond Harry Potter
Beyond her Hogwarts fame, Henderson has built a versatile and acclaimed acting career.
She appeared as Jude in all three Bridget Jones films and has starred in:
- Happy Valley
- Hamish Macbeth
- The Way We Live Now
- Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (voice of Babu Frik)
- Netflix thriller Dept. Q
- Critically praised drama I Swear
Her unique voice, expressive performances, and memorable characters continue to make her one of Britain’s most distinctive screen talents.
