Where Are They Now? 5 Shocking New Projects Of The Two Iconic Miss Honey Actresses

The gentle, kind-hearted teacher, Miss Honey, is one of the most beloved characters in children's literature, and her portrayal on screen has been iconic, thanks to two phenomenal actresses: Embeth Davidtz and Lashana Lynch. While fans of the classic 1996 film instantly picture Davidtz's soft-spoken performance, a new generation has embraced Lynch's powerful, musical take from the 2022 adaptation. As of December 2025, both women have been busy with major, fresh projects—including a directorial debut and a major shift in the character's legacy—proving their careers are far from the quiet life of a Crunchem Hall schoolteacher.

This deep dive explores the fascinating and current career paths of both Embeth Davidtz, the original Miss Honey from the Danny DeVito-directed masterpiece, and Lashana Lynch, the star who brought the character to life in the Netflix musical, highlighting their most recent and surprising professional moves.

The Two Faces of Miss Honey: A Complete Biography List

To fully appreciate their current work, it is essential to understand the background of the two talented women who have embodied the role of the beloved teacher, Jennifer Honey, for different generations of fans.

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Embeth Davidtz (Miss Honey, 1996 Film)

• Full Name: Embeth Jean Davidtz
• Born: August 11, 1965
• Birthplace: Lafayette, Indiana, USA
• Nationality: South African-American
• Early Career Highlights: Started acting in South Africa before gaining international recognition.
• Key Filmography: Schindler's List (1993), Matilda (1996), Fallen (1998), Bicentennial Man (1999), The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), Old (2021).
• Recent Work: Feature film director and star of Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight (2024), TV role in Tales of the Walking Dead (2022).

Lashana Lynch (Miss Honey, 2022 Musical Film)

• Full Name: Lashana Rasheda Lynch
• Born: November 27, 1987
• Birthplace: Hammersmith, London, England
• Nationality: British (of Jamaican descent)
• Early Career Highlights: Trained at the Arts Educational School, London.
• Key Filmography: Fast Girls (2012), Captain Marvel (2019), No Time to Die (2021) as Nomi (the new 007 agent), Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical (2022), The Woman King (2022), Bob Marley: One Love (2024).
• Accolades: BAFTA Rising Star Award winner (2022).

Embeth Davidtz: From Crunchem Hall to Directorial Debut in 2024

For millions, Embeth Davidtz is the definitive Miss Honey, the gentle soul who rescued Matilda Wormwood from her neglectful family and the monstrous Miss Trunchbull. Her portrayal in the 1996 film, directed by Danny DeVito, remains a cultural touchstone. However, Davidtz's career has recently taken a significant and exciting new turn, moving her from acting roles to a powerful position behind the camera.

Her most compelling and recent professional endeavor is her feature directorial debut with the film Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight. The film, which she also wrote, produced, and starred in, is an adaptation of Alexandra Fuller's memoir about a white family living in Africa during the tumultuous 1970s and 80s. This project, which premiered in 2024, is deeply personal for Davidtz, as it echoes her own childhood experiences growing up in South Africa.

This move is a major career highlight, showcasing her versatility beyond the emotional and vulnerable characters she is known for, such as her roles in the classic Schindler's List and, of course, Matilda. The film’s release and reception have cemented her status not just as an actress, but as a formidable writer and director in the industry.

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The Viral TikTok Trend and Her Son's Hilarious Threat

Despite her serious new directorial work, Davidtz recently found herself back in the viral spotlight for her most famous role. A popular TikTok trend emerged where users were honoring their own "Miss Honey" figures in real life, using a voiceover from the 1996 movie. Davidtz, now 59, expressed that the trend was a "lovely surprise," highlighting the enduring positive impact of the character on the public consciousness.

In a more personal and humorous update, Davidtz also shared an anecdote about her son, who once threatened to tell her fans that she is not always as sweet and gentle as Miss Honey in real life. This story provided a candid and relatable glimpse into her life as a mother, contrasting her on-screen persona with her reality.

Furthermore, Davidtz made a notable appearance in the Walking Dead universe. She was cast in the anthology spin-off series, Tales of the Walking Dead, appearing in the episode titled "Davon." This role showcases her ability to move between genres, from beloved family films and historical dramas to the post-apocalyptic horror of the TWD universe.

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Lashana Lynch: Redefining the Beloved Teacher for a New Generation

Lashana Lynch took on the daunting task of portraying Miss Honey in the 2022 Netflix film adaptation, Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical, which was an adaptation of the highly successful stage production. Lynch, already a global star from her roles as Maria Rambeau in Captain Marvel and the new 007 agent, Nomi, in No Time to Die, brought a powerful and emotionally resonant performance to the role.

Her casting was a bold choice that introduced a new, dynamic interpretation of the character to a modern audience, standing alongside other stellar cast members like Emma Thompson as Miss Trunchbull and Alisha Weir as Matilda Wormwood.

The "Queer Icon" Status and On-Set Protection

One of the most talked-about elements of Lynch's portrayal was the subtle subtext and fan reaction that elevated Miss Honey to a new status. Lynch herself addressed the character being embraced as a "queer icon" by the LGBTQ+ community, expressing that she was delighted by the interpretation. She noted that the connection between Miss Honey and Matilda is about two people finding their chosen family, which resonates deeply with the queer experience, adding a fresh layer of topical authority to the character's legacy.

Lynch also discussed the emotional depth of the role, revealing that she became fiercely protective of the child actors on set, a feeling that mirrored Miss Honey's own maternal instinct toward Matilda. She stated that her commitment to the role extended off-camera, where she felt a genuine need to care for the children, especially given the intense nature of filming a musical.

A Major Change to the Film’s Ending

The 2022 musical film adaptation made a notable change to the original story's ending, which directly involved Lynch’s character. The film concludes with a brand-new song performed by Miss Honey and Matilda. This addition was a significant departure from the source material and the 1996 film, providing a more emotionally explicit and heartwarming closure to the duo's story. This creative decision further solidified Lynch's Miss Honey as a unique and influential version of the character for the 21st century.

Beyond Matilda, Lynch has continued her ascent as a leading lady in Hollywood, most recently starring as Rita Marley in the 2024 biopic Bob Marley: One Love. This high-profile role demonstrates her range and current standing as one of the industry's most sought-after talents, moving seamlessly from a beloved children's character to a music legend's spouse.

The Enduring Legacy of Miss Honey and Her Actresses

The story of Miss Honey, the compassionate teacher who saw the genius in a little girl, has resonated across generations. Whether it is Embeth Davidtz's gentle, quiet strength against the tyranny of Pam Ferris's Miss Trunchbull, or Lashana Lynch's powerful, singing performance, the core theme of finding a safe haven and a chosen family remains.

Both actresses have used the role as a springboard for exciting new ventures. Davidtz has embraced the challenge of directing a deeply personal film in 2024, while Lynch has continued to star in major blockbuster and critically acclaimed biopics. Their recent work ensures that the legacy of the "Miss Honey" actress is not just a nostalgic memory, but a constantly evolving story of professional success and creative exploration.