Miriam Margolyes has a resume that reads longer than many of the others on this list, yet, if you’re a real Potterhead like we are, you’ll probably only recognize her from her role as the lovable Herbology teacher in the Harry Potter films. As an acting veteran who has been in the business for more than 50 years, Miriam has more than enough to show for her time as an actress. That may be the reason why she has chosen to take some weight off her workload and have a quieter life, splitting her time between Britain and Australia.
However, she can’t seem to keep away from the screen altogether, and starred in The Guilt Trip, Romeo + Juliet and even made a cameo on Family Guy, over the past few years.
Emma Thompson Now
Emma Thompson is perhaps the most versatile of all the woman on this list and had built a name for herself long before her role in the Harry Potter movies. This British actress has been kept on her toes for the past three decades or so and has managed to obtain no less than brilliant roles on both stage and screen along with balancing her work as a screenwriter, activist, author, and comedian. She is widely known for her portrayal of energetic strong woman, often in periodic dramas or literary adaptations.
Some of her latest work includes roles in Beauty and The Beast, Johnny English Strikes Again and Men In Black. She is also scheduled to appear in next year's release of The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle. However, our favorite performance by the talented Ms. Thompson was her 1993 rendition of Beatrice, in Much Ado About Nothing.
Miriam Margolyes as Pomona Sprout
With a teacher like Professor Sprout, who wouldn't want to learn about Herbology? She must rank at least in the top 5 coolest teachers at Hogwarts. Over the course of her class, the pupils got to re-pot Mandrakes, ride hippogriffs, and just have a great time outdoors. Professor Sprout is also the acting headmistress of the Hufflepuff House.
Although she is described (and portrayed in the movie) as a short and stout witch, Pomona Sprout is full of magic, might, and humor. Admittedly, she is only a relatively small character in the entire series, but she does prove to be a vital one, as she is the only one who learned how to revive the petrified victims from The Chamber of Secrets.
Julie Christie as Madam Rosmerta
Whenever Harry and the gang were in the mood for some Butterbeer, they would go down to Hogsmeade and Madam Rosmerta would greet them and make their wishes come true. You could always rely on her to sort out her landlady duties in the magical pub.
Well, except for that time when Draco Malfoy put her under the Imperius curse to smuggle poisoned items into Hogwarts, meeting Madam Rosmerta would most likely be a joyous occasion. We would be there right now if we hadn't just run out of Foo powder...
Julie Christie now
With only a minor role in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Julie Christie is actually a very famous British actress. After her breakthrough role in the film Billy Liar, in 1963, she has added to her resume almost yearly.
Over the course of her career, she has won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA, and a Screen Actors Guild Award! You may have also recognized her from Finding Neverland, Away From Her and The Company You Keep. Most recently, at age 78, she has narrated the 2018 film, The Bookshop.