Matthew Lewis (actor)

Matthew David Lewis[1] (born 27 June 1989)[2] is an English actor. He is best known for his role as Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter film series.

Matthew Lewis
Lewis in 2020
Born
Matthew David Lewis

(1989-06-27) 27 June 1989
Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
Other namesMatt Lewis
OccupationActor
Years active1995–present
Notable work
Harry Potter
Spouse(s)
Angela Jones
​
(m. 2018)​
RelativesAnthony Lewis (brother)
Websitewww.matthewlewis.tv

Born in Leeds, Lewis made his acting debut in Some Kind of Life (1995), guest-starring on dramas for ITV and BBC One before appearing in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001). Lewis played the role for ten years, concluding with the final film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011), for which he received critical praise. Following the series, Lewis reoccured in The Syndicate and performed his first theatre role in Our Boys at the Duchess Theatre in 2012. Lewis starred in The Rise (2012) which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival to positive reviews and made appearances on BBC dramas Bluestone 42 and Death in Paradise in 2013 and 2015, respectively.

Lewis had a supporting role in Me Before You (2016), which became a box office success. He was cast in the crime dramas Ripper Street and Happy Valley before starring on the ITV drama Girlfriends in 2018. Lewis appeared in Terminal (2018), which premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival as well as Baby Done (2020). Since 2020, Lewis has starred in Channel 5 television series All Creatures Great and Small to critical praise.

Early life

Matthew David Lewis was born on 27 June 1989 in Leeds, West Yorkshire,[2] to Adrian Lewis and Lynda Needham.[3] He was raised in the nearby town of Horsforth.[4] He has two brothers, Chris, a film editor, and Anthony, an actor.[5] He attended St Mary's Menston Catholic Voluntary Academy.[6]

Career

1995–2000: Beginnings

Lewis has been acting since age five.[7] He made his professional debut in television film Some Kind of Life (1995), directed by Kay Mellor.[8] He guest-starred in the BBC One crime drama Dalziel and Pascoe before appearing in ITV series' Heartbeat and Where the Heart Is in 199 and 2000, respectively.[9]

2001–2011: Harry Potter and recognition

In 1999, castings were held across the UK for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the film adaptation of British author J. K. Rowling's novel. Lewis, a fan of the series, initially attended an open audition at the Queens Hotel, Leeds, before being contacted two months later to perform a screen test for director Christopher Columbus, eventually scoring the role of Neville Longbottom.[10] Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was released in 2001 and became a critical and commercial hit.[11] For the part, Lewis had to wear a set of false teeth, shoes two sizes too big, a fat suit, and ear prosthetics.[10] He reprised his role a year later in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets; Lewis has stated that his favorite lines stem from the film.[12][13]

Lewis at the US premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 in 2011

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) both premiered to critical acclaim.[14][15] Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was released in 2007. During filming, co-star Helena Bonham Carter accidentally ruptured Lewis' eardrum when she stuck her wand in his ear during a scene.[16] Lewis commented on enjoying the "diverse nature" of his role in the film which contained more "emotion and drama" than its predecessors.[17] Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince became the second-highest-grossing film of 2009.[18] In a 2009 interview, Lewis spoke about his experience working with director David Yates, discussing "about what Neville would be doing and feeling, even [..] in the background."[19] In April 2011, Lewis played Lester Cole in his stage debut in Agatha Christie's Verdict touring stage production.[20][21]

Lewis returned once more for the final installments of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010) and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011). His performance was praised by critics for his "scene stealing potential"; CTV News referred to Lewis as a "breakout stud" and "man of action".[22][23] Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling gave a speech at the premiere of Deathly Hallows – Part 2 in London, where she stated that there were seven major cast members in the series, whom she referred to as "The Big Seven", and she named Lewis as one of the seven members, along with Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Tom Felton, Evanna Lynch, and Bonnie Wright.[24]

2012–present: Further work and television

In 2012, Lewis portrayed Jamie Bradley in the five-part television drama The Syndicate written by Kay Mellor, which aired on BBC One.[25][26] He made his West End debut, playing Mick in Our Boys, which ran at the Duchess Theatre from September to December 2012.[27] Lewis co-starred in the crime film The Rise (2012), which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. Express stated that "Lewis provide[s] as much pleasure as the mechanics of the twisted revenge plot."[28][29] He starred in two series of the black comedy Bluestone 42, filmed in South Africa, which premiered on BBC Three in 2013.[30] In 2015, Lewis guest-starred on the television crime drama Death in Paradise.[31]

Lewis at the 2019 Phoenix Fan Fusion

Lewis played Patrick, the boyfriend of Emilia Clarke's character, in Me Before You (2016), which proved to be a commercial success.[32][33] Bustle noted that "Lewis' role is one mostly of comedic relief" but the actor "plays the character's outrage perfectly"; Lewis stated he was careful not to make the role a "laughed-off villain, but a fully-formed character."[34] That same year, Lewis reoccured in two BBC productions, crime dramas Ripper Street and Happy Valley.[35][36] He starred alongside Niamh Cusack in the London premiere of Unfaithful, written by playwright Owen McCafferty, which ran from August to October 2016.[37][38][39] In 2017, Lewis, a friend of comedian Sal Vulcano, made an appearance on Impractical Jokers as himself filling in for Vulcano, which was shot at Universal Orlando.[40]

In 2018, he starred on the ITV drama Girlfriends, written by Mellor.[41] Lewis appeared in neo-noir Terminal (2018), which premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival to negative reviews.[42] Lewis starred opposite Rose Matafeo in Baby Done (2020), produced by Taika Waititi. The Guardian praised his "thoroughly likable performance" as well as the "laid-back" chemistry between him and Matafeo.[43] Lewis appeared in the Yorkshire-set television series All Creatures Great and Small, which aired on Channel 5 in 2020 to high ratings and critical acclaim.[44][45] The New York Times referred to Lewis' portrayal as a "dashing suitor" who achieved the character's "natural confidence [..] incredibly well."[46] All Creatures Great and Small was renewed for a second season in December 2020.[47]

Personal life

Lewis married Angela Jones in Italy on 29 May 2018, after the two had become engaged in November 2016.[48][49] The couple had met in January 2016, when Lewis participated in the annual Celebration of Harry Potter event at Universal Orlando, where Jones was a VIP event manager for the resort and the event.

Lewis is a vice-president of the Leeds Rugby Foundation charity.[50] Lewis hosts the Leeds United podcast "Doing a Leeds" with former professional footballer Jermaine Beckford.[51]

Filmography

Film
Year Title Role Notes
2001 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Neville Longbottom
  • Released as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in the U.S
2002 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
    2004 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
    2005 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
    2007 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
    2009 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
    2010 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1
    2011 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2
    2012 The Night of the Loving Dead Nigel
    • Short film
    • Voice only
    2013 Wasteland Dodd Also known as The Rise.
    The Sweet Shop The Reporter
    2016 Me Before You Patrick Based on the 2012 novel of the same name by Jojo Moyes.
    2018 Terminal Lenny
    2020 Baby Done Tim

    Television
    Year Title Role Notes
    1995 Some Kind of Life Johnathan Taylor Television film
    1996 Dalziel and Pascoe Davy Plessey Episode : "An Advancement of Learning"
    1999 Heartbeat Alan Quigley Episode : "Hollywood or Bust"
    2000 Where the Heart Is Billy Bevan Episode : "Things Fall Apart"
    2012 The Syndicate Jamie Bradley Series 1, 5 Episodes
    2014–2015 Bluestone 42 Corporal Gordon "Towerblock" House Series 2–3
    2015 Death in Paradise Dominic Claydon Episode 4.7
    2016 Ripper Street D S Samuel Drummond Series 4 & 5
    2016 Happy Valley Sean Balmforth Series 2
    2017 Impractical Jokers Himself Episode : "Universal Appeal"
    2018 Girlfriends Tom Dreyton 5 Episodes
    2018 Nutritiously Nicola! Himself 2 Episodes
    2020 All Creatures Great and Small Hugh Hulton 3 Episodes

    Music video
    Year Title Artist Role Notes
    2012 "Filth" A Band of Buriers Boyfriend

    Theatre
    Year Title Role Notes
    2006 The Queen's Handbag Neville Longbottom Harry Potter skit, filmed during production of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
    2011 Agatha Christie's Verdict Lester Cole Stage, Tour Production
    2012 Our Boys Mick West End, Stage Production
    2016 Unfaithful Peter Stage Production.

    Video game
    Year Title Role
    2007 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Neville Longbottom (voice)
    2011 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2
    2016 Lego Dimensions

    Theme Park
    Year Title Role Notes
    2010 Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Neville Longbottom Theme park attraction

    Awards and honours

    On 24 July 2012, Lewis received an honorary Master of Arts degree from Leeds Metropolitan University for his contribution to the arts and charity work.[52]

    References
    1. "Matthew Lewis". TV Guide. Archived from the original on 26 November 2020. Retrieved 26 November 2020.
    2. "Matthew Lewis". Infoplease (FEN Learning/Sandbox Network). Archived from the original on 7 July 2018. Retrieved 21 December 2015.
    3. Charnley, Jane (1 June 2004). "Harry Potter and the boy who wouldn't give up". The Yorkshire Post. Leeds, UK. Archived from the original on 7 January 2016. Retrieved 21 November 2010.
    4. "Harry Potter's Neville Longbottom aka Matthew Lewis makes magical visit to Leeds school". Yorkshire Evening Post. UK. 30 November 2016. Archived from the original on 25 November 2020. Retrieved 26 November 2020.
    5. "Magic Moments with Matthew Lewis Exclusive Interview with VQ". Victoria Quarter. 17 October 2011. Archived from the original on 26 February 2014. Retrieved 2 February 2016.
    6. Redhead, Jonathan (1 July 2010). "Return visit to Menston St Mary's for Matthew Lewis". Wharfedale & Airedale Observer. Archived from the original on 26 November 2020.
    7. Kaufmann, Justin (15 July 2011). "Wikipedia Files: Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom)". Chicago, Illinois: WBEZ. Archived from the original on 7 January 2016. Retrieved 18 July 2011.
    8. "Some Kind of Life". Curtis Brown. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
    9. "CV". Curits Brown.
    10. "Magic Moments with Matthew Lewis Exclusive Interview with VQ". VQ. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
    11. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
    12. "'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2' Press Conference (1/3)". YouTube. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
    13. "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets". BoxOfficeMojo. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
    14. "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban". Metacritic. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
    15. "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire". Metacritic.
    16. Daly, Steve (13 July 2007). "Bonham Carter: 'I think I took my sadism a bit too literally'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 18 July 2011.
    17. "Harry Potter & The Order Of The Phoenix - Matthew Lewis interview". Indie London.
    18. "All Time Highest Grossing Movies Worldwide". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 27 December 2010.
    19. "Actor Matthew Lewis talks about playing an unlikely 'Harry Potter' hero". Wicked Local. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
    20. Freeman, Sarah (13 April 2011). "Learning how to earn a living after Harry Potter ends". Yorkshire Post. Retrieved 18 July 2011.
    21. Davis, Laura (29 March 2011). "Susan Penhaligon leads all-star cast for Agatha Christie's Verdict at New Brighton Floral Pavilion". Liverpool Daily Post. Archived from the original on 15 November 2011. Retrieved 18 July 2011.
    22. "Critics Sound Off on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2: Is It Actually a Good Movie?". Today. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
    23. "Harry Potter's Lewis emerges as breakout stud". CTV News. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
    24. tzekoulis (7 July 2011). "J.K. Rowling's Emotional Speech at the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 London Premiere". YouTube.
    25. "Timothy Spall and Joanna Page to star in Kay Mellor's The Syndicate". BBC Media Centre. 7 November 2011.
    26. "Harry Potter Message Boards". SnitchSeeker.com.
    27. "Matthew Lewis to star in Our Boys West End Play". SnitchSeeker.com.
    28. "First promo, synopsis of Matthew Lewis' upcoming crime caper, Wasteland". SnitchSeeker.com.
    29. "The Rise: review and trailer". Express. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
    30. "Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis: I'm dead against moving 'risk-taking' BBC3 online". Radio Times. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
    31. "Death in Paradise season 9: When was Harry Potter's Neville Longbottom actor in drama?". Express. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
    32. D'Alessandro, Anthony (3 June 2016). "'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2', 'Me Before You' Get Thursday Night Going – Box Office". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 3 June 2016.
    33. Ford, Rebecca (10 April 2015). "MGM's 'Me Before You' Rounds Out Cast (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 24 July 2015.
    34. "What It's Like Working With 'GoT's Emilia Clarke". Bustle.
    35. "Matthew Lewis thinks his Ripper Street moustache makes him repellant to women". Radio Times. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
    36. "Neville Longbottom is in Happy Valley! Leeds Harry Potter actor Matthew Lewis in series two cast". Yorkshire Live. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
    37. "INTERVIEW: Matthew Lewis on Potter, Unfaithful and doing that photoshoot". The Reviews Hub. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
    38. "Unfaithful". Found111.co.uk.
    39. "Matthew Lewis talks playing male escort in new play 'Unfaithful', seeing Cursed Child". SnitchSeeker.com.
    40. "Impractical Jokers Sub in Matthew Lewis aka Neville Longbottom". Z107.7 St. Louis. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
    41. "Matthew Lewis on getting gritty and reuniting with Zoe Wanamaker for Girlfriends". EW. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
    42. "Terminal". Curtis Brown. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
    43. "Baby Done review – Rose Matafeo is wonderful in irresistible film about parenthood". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
    44. https://www.tvzoneuk.com/post/28-day-ratings-31-aug-06-sept-2020
    45. "All Creatures Great and Small (2021) - Season 1 Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
    46. "Matthew Lewis Can't Believe He's a Romantic Lead, Either". New York Times. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
    47. "All Creatures Great and Small Is Getting a Season 2". Town & Country.
    48. "Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis gets married". Australia: News.com.au. Archived from the original on 26 November 2020. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
    49. Respers France, Lisa. "'Harry Potter' star Matthew Lewis weds". CNN. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
    50. "List of vice presidents". Leeds Rugby Foundation. Archived from the original on 21 May 2016. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
    51. "Doing a Leeds". podnews.net.
    52. "Matthew Lewis to receive honorary master of arts degree from Leeds Metropolitan University". SnitchSeeker.com.

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