How One Actor Missed His Shot At Appearing In ‘Harry Potter’ Thanks To One Rat And A Friendly Favor

It’s not every day you hear about someone losing a role in one of the biggest franchises in history all because of a rat. But then again, not everyone is Harry Lawtey. Yes, that Harry Lawtey—the charming Robert from HBO’s hit show Industry. 

Before he was gracing the screen in a suit and tie, he was just another kid on the set of Harry Potter, holding a smelly rat and making a career-altering mistake.

Back in his early days as a budding actor, Lawtey had a small role as a background actor in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It was his first-ever experience on a film set, and what should have been a magical opportunity turned into a lesson he’ll never forget.

The scene in question was the iconic final train station scene where the grown-up wizards send their kids off to Hogwarts. As Lawtey recalls, “The animal handler came around, handing out all these animals in cages to us extras.”

“I was given a rat. And no offense to rats, but I wasn’t thrilled about holding it for half an hour while waiting for the cameras to roll.” After standing with the rat for what felt like an eternity, his friend offered to take it off his hands after noticing his discomfort. 

Without hesitation, Harry passed the rodent over, probably thinking, “Good riddance.” Little did he know that one unfortunate act had already sealed his fate.

Harry Lawtey serves life lessons in style!

photographed by Lewis Vorn

“Quite literally a minute later, they were like, ‘Guys, we’re going for the first shot.’ And the first AD goes, ‘Who’s the kid with the rat?’” Lawtey, now rat-less, watched as his friend was ushered to the front of the shot while he was left in the background.

The scene ends in the final cut, and Harry’s friend gets his moment of fame while Harry remains just another blurry face in the crowd. Reflecting on the incident, Harry shares, “The moral of the story is to never give away a rat.” Wise words, indeed.

But Harry’s acting journey didn’t end with that rodent handover. In a recent interview with his Industry co-star Myha’la Herrold, Harry opened up about more than just his rodent regrets. 

They discussed the ins and outs of working on Industry, which has now claimed the coveted Sunday night slot on HBO. “It’s surreal to be part of something that has such a strong following now,” Harry noted, adding that he never expected the show to grow to its current success. 

The Power of Networking

The tale of Harry Lawtey’s missed opportunity highlights the crucial role of networking in the entertainment industry. As Dr. John Gottman, a renowned marriage researcher, states, "The quality of our relationships is the key to success in all areas of life." Networking allows aspiring actors to build connections that may lead to auditions and roles, even in competitive environments like Hollywood.

Lawtey’s experience serves as a reminder that personal connections can influence career trajectories significantly. Aspiring actors can benefit from attending industry events and workshops to meet influential figures and fellow creatives, thereby expanding their professional network.

From holding rats to holding court on HBO’s Industry. Quite the glow-up, don’t you think?

photographed by Lewis Vorn

With the addition of Game of Thrones star Kit Harington to the cast, it seems like Industry is gearing up for its most thrilling season yet.

Beyond the small screen, Harry also shared insights about his latest project, a film titled Mr. Burton, in which he portrays the legendary Richard Burton in his younger years. 

This role demanded a complete transformation, both physically and vocally, as he had to adopt a strong Welsh accent. For Harry, this film has been a labor of love and one of his most challenging roles to date.

Harry’s career might have started with a rat, but it’s clear that he’s destined for much bigger things. And who knows? Maybe that rat was a lucky charm after all, paving the way for his breakthrough role in Industry. 

So, if you ever find yourself holding onto something—be it a rat or an opportunity—think twice before letting it go, no matter how unpleasant it may seem. You never know when the spotlight might come calling!

When discussing missed opportunities, it’s essential to consider the psychological impact of rejection. According to Dr. William Doherty, a family therapist, experiencing setbacks in auditions can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. He notes, "Rejection can trigger deep-seated fears about our worth, especially in competitive fields like the performing arts." To combat these feelings, he suggests practicing self-compassion and resilience-building strategies. Engaging in positive self-talk and mindfulness can help individuals reframe their experiences, turning perceived failures into learning opportunities for future auditions or projects.

The story of Harry Lawtey’s near-miss with the Harry Potter franchise is a vivid lesson that emphasizes the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry. While talent is paramount, the nuances of timing, connections, and even luck play significant roles in success. To improve future opportunities, aspiring actors should actively cultivate networks and seek feedback from mentors.

As Dr. Grant Wiggins points out, reflection and adaptation are crucial components of learning. By embracing these elements, individuals can transform setbacks into stepping stones, ultimately leading to greater achievements in their careers.