Rupert Alexander Lloyd Grint was born on August 24, 1988 in Harlow, Essex, United Kingdom; to parents Nigel Grint and Joanne Grint (Parsons). Nigel is a former dealer of Formula One motor-racing memorabilia and Joanne (Jo) is a homemaker. Rupert is the eldest of 5 children; James (born in 1990), Georgina (born in 1993), Samantha (born in 1996) and Charlotte (born in 1998).

Rupert and his family currently reside in Hertfordshire. Here, Rupert attended a Catholic Primary School and Richard Hale School. Attending school, his main interest was in the drama department. Before the Harry Potter franchise started, he only took place in a few school plays and stage productions at his local theater group, Top Hat Stage and Screen School. In some plays, he was cast in: a fish in “Noah’s Ark”, a rooster in “Annie”, and Rumpelstiltskin in … “Rumpelstiltskin”.

Rupert first heard of the “Harry Potter” auditions on CBBC Newsround. Being a fan of the books, he sent in all the required prerequisites and information. Then he decided to submit a video of himself dressed as his female drama teacher singing a rap song of why he should be considered to get the role of Ron Weasley. Soon after submitting his application, the casting directors contacted Rupert to come in for more auditions. After countless screen tests and reading lines, he got the role of Ron Weasley. (* Side Note: Emma Watson was also notified that she got the role of Hermione Granger in David Heyman’s office with Rupert Grint)

After completing Harry Potter and Philosopher’s Stone (Sorcerer’s Stone; USA title) , with Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter and Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, the phenomenal Harry Potter franchise begun. In 2002, he was asked to reprise his role as Ron Weasley in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. After wrapping up Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in 2004, he ,along with his co-stars, become one of the most famous up-and-coming teen actors across the world. Rupert then signed to continue filming Potter films for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. What was supposed to be a trilogy turned to become a dedicated franchise to all 7 books.

Aside from Harry Potter, Rupert was the first of the trio to appear in a non-HP film. In 2002, he got the role of Alan A. Allen in Thunderpants. He also participated in various radio and television voice-overs between Potter productions, such as Nigel Molesworth in Baggy Trousers for BBC Radio 4 and Peter Pan in a BBC documentary celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first production of “Peter Pan” on stage.

In 2006, Rupert starred in a British independent film called Driving Lessons along side with Laura Linney and Julie Walters. His first on-screen kiss was filmed with Michelle Duncan. After it’s UK release on September 8th, 2006, the film became both a domestic and an international success.

Rupert then went on to reprise his role of Ron Weasley in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. After gaining much experience from Driving Lessons, the maturity in his acting had improved. The 5th installment displayed more canon moments of his role leveling his character with that of Hermione. The film became the 2nd highest grossing Potter film and assured the entire series the most successful movie franchise in history.

July 17th, 2009, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was finally released! The film became yet again another huge success especially for Rupert since his character had undergone more developments in love interests and Quidditch! According to critic and fan reviews, Rupert was the highlight of the trio. Rupert had serious potential and was not planning to upset his fanbase.

In the mid-2008, Rupert had signed up for a dark teen film Cherrybomb set in Belfast. The story about two friends competing for the affection of one girl. The film is packed with sex, drugs, and violence and was Rupert’s true breakaway from Ron Weasley. Critics were super pleased with his performance as well as those from his co-stars Robert Sheehan (Luke) and Kimberley Nixon (Michelle). The film is set for UK release on April 23rd, 2010.

During the mania of Cherrybomb, fans discovered Rupert had signed up for another film named Wild Target, a black comedy film also starring Bill Nighy and Emily Blunt. Wild Target is a remake of the original 1993 French film “Cible Émouvante”. The film is set for international release in early or mid-2010.

In late November 2009, Rupert was confirmed to star as Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards in Eddie the Eagle. The comedy biopic is about a British ski-jumper Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards, the unlikely hero of the 1988 Winter Olympics. The role was originally given to Steve Coogan but is now replaced by Rupert. The film is still in pre-production and hopefully releasing in 2011.

Currently, the final two installments of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows are being filmed. These films are said to be the most darkest and most powerful from not just Rupert but from all the actors in the Harry Potter franchise. And as filming continues, the actors are also adding small features for the most-anticipating theme park opening in Orlando, June 18th, 2010, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

2010 has been known to be the “Year of the Grint”. Rupert has exceeded all expectations and has become such a talented young man. We are looking forward for Rupert to grow and develop as an actor beyond the Potter series because everyone can see his potential.

Written by Valerie with the help of…