The Tragic And Triumphant Lives Of Miss Honey: Where Are The Actresses From Matilda Now?

Miss Honey, the kind-hearted, soft-spoken teacher from Roald Dahl’s *Matilda*, is one of cinema’s most beloved characters, representing a beacon of hope and warmth against the tyrannical backdrop of Crunchem Hall. The role has been immortalized by two powerhouse actresses in the most famous film adaptations: Embeth Davidtz in the iconic 1996 film directed by Danny DeVito, and Lashana Lynch in the 2022 Netflix musical adaptation, *Matilda the Musical*. As of December 10, 2025, both women have continued to build impressive and diverse careers, with one making a major directorial debut and the other starring in massive global franchises.

The enduring legacy of Miss Jennifer Honey continues to captivate new generations, especially with the recent viral resurgence of the 1996 film on social media platforms like TikTok. This deep dive explores the complete biography of the original Miss Honey, her major new career move, and the current, high-profile projects of the actress who took on the musical mantle.

The Definitive Biography of Embeth Davidtz (The Original Miss Honey)

Embeth Jean Davidtz, who brought the gentle, luminous Miss Honey to life in the 1996 film *Matilda*, has had a distinguished career spanning decades in both film and television. Her portrayal remains the standard for the character—a perfect blend of tragic vulnerability and quiet strength.

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• Full Name: Embeth Jean Davidtz
• Date of Birth: August 11, 1965
• Place of Birth: Lafayette, Indiana, United States
• Nationality: American and South African
• Education: Rhodes University (studied drama)
• Spouse: Jason Sloane (Entertainment Attorney, married June 22, 2002)
• Children: Two, a daughter named Charlotte Emily and a son named Asher Sloane
• Height: 5’ 8” (1.73 m)
• Major Roles Before *Matilda* (1996): Helen Hirsch in *Schindler's List* (1993), Sheila in *Army of Darkness* (1992).

Born in Indiana, Davidtz moved to South Africa with her family at a young age, developing her craft there before returning to the US to pursue Hollywood. Her early career was marked by critically acclaimed roles in serious dramas, making her casting as the sweet, almost ethereal Miss Honey a delightful, heart-warming surprise for audiences.

Beyond *Matilda*, Davidtz is also widely recognized for her roles as Mary Crawford in *Mansfield Park*, Natasha in *Bridget Jones's Diary*, and for her recurring roles in major television series like *Mad Men* and *Californication*. Her range as an actress is a testament to her drama education at Rhodes University and her commitment to diverse character work.

Where is Embeth Davidtz Now? Her New Role as a Director

While Embeth Davidtz has maintained a steady acting career, her most significant and fresh career update as of 2024/2025 is a move behind the camera. Davidtz made her feature directorial debut with a powerful, deeply personal project, demonstrating a new phase in her artistic life.

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Directorial Debut: *Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight*

In 2024, Embeth Davidtz premiered her first feature film as a director, *Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight*. The film is an adaptation of the best-selling memoir of the same name by Alexandra Fuller, chronicling the author's childhood growing up white in war-torn Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and Zambia. This directorial effort is a profound step for Davidtz, as she not only directed but also starred in and produced the film, showcasing her multi-faceted talent. The film’s focus on the challenging landscape of Southern Africa aligns with Davidtz’s own South African roots, bringing a personal authenticity to the project.

This transition into directing is a clear indicator that Davidtz is exploring more creatively demanding roles within the industry, moving beyond the beloved character of Miss Honey, though she remains fondly connected to the film's legacy.

The Enduring *Matilda* TikTok Trend

In a charming nod to her most famous role, Embeth Davidtz recently commented on the viral "Miss Honey TikTok trend," where users recreate or reference scenes from the 1996 film. She called the trend a "lovely surprise," indicating her positive awareness of the film’s renewed popularity among a younger, digital audience. This cultural resurgence proves that the kindness and light of Miss Honey's character, or Miss Jennifer Honey as she is formally known, continues to resonate nearly three decades later, securing the movie’s status as a timeless classic.

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The film’s director, Danny DeVito, has also participated in recent cast reunions, cementing the strong, familial bond that remains between the cast members, including Davidtz, Mara Wilson (Matilda), and Pam Ferris (Miss Trunchbull).

The New Era of Miss Honey: Lashana Lynch's Groundbreaking Portrayal

The 2022 film adaptation, *Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical*, introduced a new generation to the story and a new, groundbreaking Miss Honey: British actress Lashana Lynch. Her casting was celebrated for bringing a fresh, contemporary energy to the role, while still capturing the character's gentle spirit and warmth.

Lashana Lynch’s career has been on a phenomenal trajectory, marked by major roles in some of the biggest global franchises, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood's most in-demand talents. Her portrayal of Miss Honey showcased her incredible vocal and dramatic range, a departure from her action-heavy roles.

Lashana Lynch's Major Current Projects (2024–2025)

Lynch's filmography since playing Miss Honey demonstrates her versatility and star power. Her most recent and upcoming projects are highly anticipated:

• *Bob Marley: One Love* (2024): Lynch starred as Rita Marley, the wife of the legendary Bob Marley, in the biopic released in February 2024. This high-profile role further cemented her ability to anchor a major dramatic film.
• *The Day of the Jackal* (Upcoming Series): She is set to star in the new television series adaptation of *The Day of the Jackal*, a spy thriller that is generating significant buzz. This marks her return to the spy genre where she previously made a massive impact.
• The 007 and Marvel Universe: Lynch is famously known for her groundbreaking role as Nomi, the first Black female 00 agent (007), in the James Bond film *No Time to Die* (2021). She is also a key figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, having starred as Maria Rambeau in *Captain Marvel*.

Lashana Lynch’s Miss Honey, while singing and dancing, captured the same essential empathy as Davidtz’s, proving the character’s core message of finding family and love in unexpected places transcends different formats and different actresses.

The Enduring Legacy of Miss Honey Across All Adaptations

The character of Miss Honey, or Miss Jennifer Honey, is more than just a teacher; she is a literary and cinematic archetype. She is the antithesis of the monstrous Miss Trunchbull, representing the power of nurturing and the importance of a safe, loving environment for children like Matilda Wormwood. The two main actresses, Embeth Davidtz and Lashana Lynch, have each contributed significantly to this legacy.

The Topical Authority of Miss Honey

The story of Miss Honey, a woman struggling under the oppressive weight of her past with her aunt, Miss Trunchbull, resonates deeply with audiences. The emotional climax of the story, where Matilda uses her powers to help Miss Honey reclaim her childhood home, is a moment of pure catharsis. This narrative depth has led to countless interpretations across various media:

• The Stage Musical: The character has been played by numerous talented actresses in the West End and on Broadway, including Lauren Byrne, Eve Norris, and Lydia White in recent London productions.
• The Literary Entity: Roald Dahl’s original character is frequently cited in educational and psychological discussions about positive role models in children's literature.
• The Cultural Icon: The phrase "Miss Honey" is now shorthand for the ideal, compassionate teacher, a testament to Davidtz's definitive portrayal and Lynch's powerful modern update.

The fact that Embeth Davidtz is now directing and Lashana Lynch is taking on major, diverse roles in blockbuster films and prestige television proves that the women who embody this beloved character are artists of significant depth and ambition. Their careers continue to evolve, but their connection to the gentle, revolutionary spirit of Miss Honey remains a defining highlight.

Whether you grew up with the 1996 film and Miss Davidtz's quiet grace, or discovered the story through Miss Lynch's musical fire, the character's legacy of kindness, courage, and unconditional love is one that continues to inspire and endure.