What could be more awesome? Harry Melling shares his forename with Daniel Radcliffe’s Harry Potter, but who did he play in the Harry Potter films? That is what we’re about to explore. We’ve also spoken about actress Hebe Beardsall who played Ariana Dumbledore, so be sure to check that out.
Harry Melling plays Dudley Dursley, the only cousin of Harry Potter. The only child of Potter’s Aunt Petunia Dursley and Uncle Vernon Dursley. Being Petunia’s son made him the nephew of Harry’s parents, Lily, who is Petunia’s younger sister, and James Potter, Harry’s dad.
For much of Harry’s childhood, Dudley was a thorn in his side as he was pampered and spoilt and allowed to get away with virtually everything.
JK Rowling once considered having Dudley appear on Platform 9 3/4 with a magical child during the epilogue of the Deathly Hallows book. She later thought better of it as she said that magic wouldn’t make it past Uncle Vernon’s genetics.
In the later Harry Potter films, Harry Melling didn’t have much of a role. Dudley would appear for a handful of scenes at the beginning of specific movies. However, the character redeemed himself during Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One when Dudley apologises to Harry for treating him like dirt all their lives.
This is the last time we see Harry Melling in a Harry Potter film. There has been some confusion about whether he is related to William Melling, who played the original character Nigel (a replacement for Colin and Dennis Creevey). The pair, despite sharing the same last name, are not related in any way.
