Rupert Grint

As Harry Potter's best friend Ron Weasley, British actor Rupert Grint has created an indelible impression on moviegoers the world over. While the Harry Potter franchise has brought him fame and fortune, there is so much more to Rupert than Ron Weasley. Did you know that none other than Oscar winning director Martin Scorcese has called Rupert the next Leonardo DiCaprio?! Get to know Rupert Grint, the happy-go-lucky schoolboy plucked from obscurity to become one of the most loved characters on the silver screen!

Full Name: Rupert Alexander Lloyd Grint
Birthday: August 24th, 1988
Height: 5 feet 10 inches
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite School Subject: Chemistry
Favorite Sport: Soccer
Fun Fact: Rupert is the proud owner of his own ice cream truck! How cool!

Childhood
Rupert Grint was born on August 24th, 1988 to parents Joanne and Nigel Grint. He was raised in Harlow, England with his one brother and three sisters.

Growing up, Rupert was a normal boy who thought of acting as a fun hobby. He had only appeared in a couple of school plays when he heard exciting news. Producers were looking to make a movie of Harry Potter, his favorite series of books, and they were on a nationwide search for young British actors to fill the lead roles! "Before I knew there was going to be a film. I was the biggest Harry Potter fan. I read all the books."

Rupert felt that he and Ron Weasley were super similar and took a chance and sent in an audition tape. "It was completely on a whim," says Rupert. "I'd sent in one application and had heard nothing back. So I figured there was nothing to lose by being a little inventive. My video was in three parts. There was a rap about myself; I dressed up as a woman and did a little sketch in the character of my drama teacher, then I read some Ron Weasley dialogue. I wasn't thinking, If I get this role, it will change my life. Even after I'd got the part, it didn't feel life-changing."

Casting agents took notice of Rupert's creative and energetic personality and called him in for an audition. "I was really nervous. Even when I left the audition I was nervous." says Rupert.

Rupert landed the role and the rest is Harry Potter history! Read on for an exciting Q and A, where Rupert talks about life in the public eye, his future and kissing Emma Watson.

Q and A >