7 Shocking Facts About Shirley Henderson: The Actress Who Played Moaning Myrtle In Harry Potter

The question of "who played Myrtle in Harry Potter" immediately conjures images of the perpetually weeping, hauntingly dramatic ghost of Hogwarts. As of December 12, 2025, the unforgettable actress behind the ghostly student, Moaning Myrtle, is the acclaimed Scottish performer, Shirley Henderson, whose career spans decades of critically praised work in film, television, and theatre. Her portrayal of the 14-year-old ghost was so convincing that many fans are still shocked to learn the truth about her age during filming, a detail that has become one of the most intriguing pieces of trivia from the entire Harry Potter franchise.

Henderson's role as Moaning Myrtle, first appearing in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) and returning for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005), is just one highlight in a diverse and celebrated career. Beyond the wizarding world, she is a BAFTA-nominated actress known for her distinctive voice and intense performances, with recent projects in 2023 and 2024 proving her continued relevance in the industry. Her unique journey to becoming the world's most famous bathroom ghost is a fascinating story of defying expectations in Hollywood.

Shirley Henderson: The Actress Behind Moaning Myrtle's Tears

Shirley Henderson is a highly respected Scottish actress whose career began in the late 1980s. She is celebrated for her versatility, effortlessly transitioning between dark, gritty dramas and lighthearted comedies. Her soft, raspy voice is one of her most distinctive features, making her instantly recognizable across her various roles.

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Complete Biography and Profile

• Full Name: Shirley Henderson
• Date of Birth: November 24, 1965
• Place of Birth: Forres, Moray, Scotland
• Nationality: Scottish
• Education: Guildhall School of Music and Drama (London)
• Notable Film Roles (Pre-Harry Potter): Gail in Trainspotting (1996), Jude in the Bridget Jones film series (2001-present)
• Harry Potter Role: Moaning Myrtle (Myrtle Warren)
• Awards and Nominations: BAFTA Scotland Award nomination for Best Actress - Film (2024), Olivier Award nominations, and numerous other accolades.
• Other Key Roles: Marie in Marie Antoinette (2006), Frances in Happy Valley (TV Series), and various stage performances.

The Shocking Age Gap: Playing a Teenager at 37

The most famous and often-cited fact about Shirley Henderson's portrayal of Moaning Myrtle is the significant age difference between the actress and the character she played. Moaning Myrtle is a ghost who died as a 14-year-old Hogwarts student.

The Audition Story and The Age Secret

When Shirley Henderson first auditioned for the role of Moaning Myrtle for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in 2002, she was 37 years old. This meant she was 23 years older than the character she was meant to portray. She later admitted in interviews that she felt "ridiculous" trying out for the role of a ghostly schoolgirl less than half her age.

The production team was aware of the age difference, but her talent and unique voice were perfect for the role. There are reports that a casting director advised her not to mention her actual age during the audition process, helping her secure the part. Her ability to capture the whiny, dramatic, and intensely emotional nature of a teenage ghost is a testament to her acting prowess.

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Henderson is, in fact, the oldest actor to ever play a Hogwarts student, though she was portraying a ghost who had been a student. Her performance was so iconic that she was called back for the fourth film, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, three years later.

From Hogwarts Bathroom to Latest 2024 Projects

While Moaning Myrtle remains her most widely recognized role globally, Shirley Henderson’s career is far from over. Her commitment to diverse, high-quality projects ensures she remains a prominent figure in British and international cinema. Her recent and upcoming work confirms her status as a continuously working, award-nominated actress.

Recent and Upcoming Work (2023–2025)

In the last few years, Shirley Henderson has taken on several significant roles, showcasing her range beyond the wizarding world. This demonstrates her continued topical authority and relevance in the current entertainment landscape:

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• The Trouble with Jessica (2023): Henderson starred in this British satirical dark comedy film, which premiered in 2023. This role highlights her ability to handle complex, comedic material.
• Summerwater (2024/2025): She is set to star in the unsettling new Channel 4 drama, *Summerwater*. The release of an ominous first-look trailer for this project has generated significant buzz, placing her firmly in the current TV conversation.
• Bridget Jones Franchise: She continues to be a part of the beloved *Bridget Jones* series, playing Jude. The franchise has a sequel planned, which is a key part of her ongoing career.
• BAFTA Recognition: Her work continues to earn critical acclaim, as evidenced by her BAFTA Scotland Award nomination for Best Actress in Film in 2024.

These recent projects prove that Shirley Henderson is much more than just the Moaning Myrtle actress. She is a highly sought-after performer whose career is thriving, with new films and television shows continuously being added to her impressive filmography. Her ability to transition from a major blockbuster role to independent films and prestige television is a hallmark of her enduring success.

LSI Keywords and Topical Entities Related to Moaning Myrtle

The character of Moaning Myrtle, whose real name is Myrtle Elizabeth Warren, is a key figure in the Harry Potter lore. Her story is intrinsically linked to some of the darkest secrets of Hogwarts. Exploring these related entities provides a deeper understanding of the role Shirley Henderson mastered:

• Myrtle Elizabeth Warren: Her full name, revealed in the books, identifying her as a Ravenclaw student.
• Chamber of Secrets: The location where Myrtle was killed by the Basilisk after seeing its eyes, making her the first victim of the monster.
• Tom Riddle: The student who opened the Chamber of Secrets and used the Basilisk to kill Myrtle, later becoming Lord Voldemort.
• The Basilisk: The creature whose deadly gaze killed Myrtle, turning her into a ghost.
• The Second Floor Girls' Bathroom: Myrtle's permanent haunting spot, which becomes a key location for Harry and his friends.
• Polyjuice Potion: The magical potion brewed in her bathroom by Hermione, Ron, and Harry in *Chamber of Secrets*.
• Hogwarts Ghosts: Other notable entities, including Nearly Headless Nick, The Bloody Baron, and The Grey Lady.
• The Goblet of Fire: The film where Myrtle reappears to help Harry figure out the clue for the Triwizard Tournament's second task.
• Rowena Ravenclaw: The founder of Myrtle's original house at Hogwarts.
• Wailing and Crying: The signature sound effects and actions that define the character's personality.

Shirley Henderson's iconic performance as Moaning Myrtle solidified her place in cinematic history, but her vast body of work, from the gritty underworld of *Trainspotting* to her current projects, ensures her legacy as one of Scotland's finest actors.