The Two Miss Honeys: Where Are The Actresses From Matilda (1996 & 2022) Now? (Updated 2025)

Few characters in cinematic history evoke such a warm, comforting feeling as Miss Jennifer Honey from Roald Dahl's Matilda. Her gentle spirit and profound kindness provided a necessary counterpoint to the tyrannical Miss Trunchbull and the neglectful Wormwood family. Over the years, two brilliant actresses have stepped into the beloved role, each leaving an indelible mark on the character: Embeth Davidtz in the classic 1996 film and Lashana Lynch in the 2022 musical adaptation. As of this current date in late 2025, the careers of both women continue to thrive, with one making a major shift into directing and the other solidifying her status as a global action star.

The enduring popularity of the "Miss Honey" character, often celebrated in viral clips and on social media platforms like TikTok, has kept both actresses in the public eye. Fans are constantly searching for what these talented women are doing now, especially given their recent high-profile projects that extend far beyond the charming world of Crunchem Hall Primary School. This is the definitive update on the lives and careers of the two iconic stars who brought the sweetest teacher in the world to life.

Embeth Davidtz: The Original Miss Honey (1996)

Embeth Jean Davidtz, the actress who embodied the first cinematic Miss Honey, is an American-born, South African-raised talent whose career spans decades of acclaimed films and television series. Her portrayal of Jennifer Honey in the 1996 film Matilda, directed by Danny DeVito, remains one of her most recognized and cherished roles.

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Embeth Davidtz Biography & Filmography Highlights

• Full Name: Embeth Jean Davidtz
• Born: August 11, 1965, in Lafayette, Indiana, USA
• Nationality: South African-American
• Education: Attended Rhodes University in Grahamstown, South Africa.
• Iconic Roles: Helen Hirsch in Schindler’s List (1993), Miss Honey in Matilda (1996), Natasha in Bridget Jones's Diary (2001), Mary Parker in The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014).
• Recent TV Series: Appeared in the anthology series Tales of the Walking Dead (2022) and the drama The Morning Show (2023).
• Recent Film: Played a role in the thriller film Retribution (2023) alongside Liam Neeson.

The Shocking Career Shift: Davidtz’s Directorial Debut

In a major career development that has generated significant buzz, Embeth Davidtz has recently expanded her role in the film industry by stepping behind the camera. Her most current and unique project is her feature directorial debut, a major milestone for the beloved actress.

The film, titled Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight, is an adaptation of Alexandra Fuller’s best-selling memoir, which chronicles the author’s turbulent childhood growing up in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and Zambia.

Davidtz not only directed the project but also wrote the screenplay, produced the film, and is set to star in it, making this a deeply personal and comprehensive artistic endeavor. The film, which has a projected release in 2024 or 2025, marks a powerful new chapter for the actress, moving her from a celebrated supporting role to a feature film auteur. This shift demonstrates a new level of creative control and a commitment to telling complex, character-driven stories, particularly those rooted in her South African background.

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For fans of the original Matilda, seeing their beloved Miss Honey transition into such a demanding and respected directorial role is a testament to her versatile talent and enduring commitment to the arts. Her work in Retribution (2023) also shows her continued presence in front of the camera, proving she is successfully balancing multiple facets of her career.

Lashana Lynch: The Modern Miss Honey (2022)

Lashana Lynch brought a fresh, musical, and powerful new energy to the role of Miss Honey in the 2022 Netflix adaptation, Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical. Already a globally recognized name from her work in major franchises, Lynch's casting brought a contemporary and diverse perspective to the classic character, reinforcing Miss Honey's strength and kindness for a new generation.

Lashana Lynch Biography & Filmography Highlights

• Full Name: Lashana Rasheda Lynch
• Born: November 27, 1987, in Hammersmith, London, England, UK
• Nationality: British
• Iconic Roles: Maria Rambeau in Captain Marvel (2019), Nomi (007) in No Time to Die (2021), Miss Honey in Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical (2022), Izogie in The Woman King (2022).
• Awards: Won the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2022.
• Recent Film: Played Rita Marley in the biopic Bob Marley: One Love (2024).

From 007 to Spy Thriller Star: Lynch’s Current Projects

Lashana Lynch’s career momentum has only accelerated since her critically acclaimed performance as Miss Honey. She has successfully leveraged her roles in major blockbusters and musicals to secure leading roles in highly anticipated upcoming projects, cementing her status as one of Hollywood's most in-demand talents.

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Her most notable current project is the new spy thriller series, The Day of the Jackal (2024), an adaptation of the classic novel and film. Lynch stars as a skilled and determined operative tasked with hunting down the elusive assassin known as 'The Jackal.' This role is a significant move for Lynch, showcasing her versatility in a high-stakes, action-packed series that follows her previous success in the James Bond universe as the new 007.

Furthermore, Lynch took on the powerful role of Rita Marley, the wife of the legendary reggae artist, in the 2024 biopic Bob Marley: One Love. This film allowed her to showcase a dramatic and musical side of her talent, following her singing and dancing performance in Matilda the Musical. Her continued selection for roles that are both commercially successful and critically substantial, such as her warrior role in The Woman King (2022), highlights her calculated and impressive career trajectory.

The Enduring Legacy of Miss Honey: 1996 vs. 2022

The character of Miss Honey, or Jennifer Honey, is a cultural touchstone that has been interpreted differently by the two talented actresses, reflecting the eras in which the films were made. The public's fascination with the "Miss Honey Matilda actress" is a testament to the character’s powerful impact as a symbol of hope and a safe haven for children facing adversity.

Embeth Davidtz's Jennifer Honey: The Gentle Nurturer

Embeth Davidtz's portrayal in the 1996 film is often remembered for its quiet vulnerability and profound gentleness. She was the quintessential "sweet-as-pie" teacher, whose timid nature made her eventual stand against Miss Trunchbull all the more powerful. Davidtz's performance emphasized the character's tragic backstory and her deep, almost maternal, connection with Matilda. Her version of Miss Honey is a classic example of the power of gentle kindness.

Lashana Lynch's Miss Honey: The Strong, Musical Advocate

Lashana Lynch's Miss Honey in the 2022 musical film, while retaining the core kindness, was depicted with a greater sense of inner strength and resilience. Her performance, which required singing and dancing, presented a more outwardly confident and self-assured character from the start. This interpretation resonated with modern audiences, showcasing a Miss Honey who was ready to fight for Matilda with a visible, powerful conviction. The contrast between the two interpretations—the gentle nurturer and the strong advocate—only adds to the character's rich topical authority.

What This Means for the Actresses' Careers

The role of Miss Honey served as a pivotal point for both women. For Embeth Davidtz, it was a defining role that cemented her place in 90s cinema and led to varied projects like Bicentennial Man and Fallen. For Lashana Lynch, it was a chance to showcase her range beyond the action and superhero genres, proving her versatility as a performer capable of carrying a musical. Both actresses continue to challenge themselves with new roles, from Davidtz’s significant move to directing with Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight to Lynch’s high-profile lead in The Day of the Jackal.

In short, the legacy of Miss Honey is in excellent hands, with both the original and the modern actress continuing to shape the landscape of film and television with their dynamic, fresh, and compelling work.