Tom Felton | Source: Getty Images
What Happened to Tom Felton, the '00s Child Star Who Grew Up in the Shadow of His Famous 'Harry Potter' Character
Once known almost exclusively as Draco Malfoy, the actor is stepping back into the role that defined his youth — but this time, it's not in front of a camera.
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After nearly 15 years away from the wizarding world, Tom Felton finally stepped onto a Broadway stage in November 2025, bringing Malfoy to life once again in "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child."
Felton is reprising the role of Malfoy — the very character that catapulted him to international stardom. Only now, he's doing it live, on stage, as a grown man and a father in the story's timeline.
"It's very much a pinch-me situation," he confessed in an interview with TODAY. "I keep thinking I'm dreaming. I let go of that character 16 years ago, and now I get to step back into his shoes, as a father this time, in a new story."
Felton's path to Broadway stardom traces back to Epsom, Surrey, where he was born to Sharon and Peter Felton. The youngest of four boys, the actor never aimed for the spotlight — he was more interested in becoming a fisherman and only joined drama club to tag along with friends.
By six, he had already starred in his first commercial. At the age of eight, at the suggestion of a family friend, he signed with an agent and won a major international campaign after auditioning alongside more than 400 children.
The early days of his career were shaped by long hours and his mother's sacrifices — she worked multiple jobs and traveled across the globe with him for acting gigs, including his early role alongside Jodie Foster in "Anna and the King." Everything changed when he was 12.
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When Felton first walked into the "Harry Potter" auditions, he hadn’t even opened the books. He ended up trying out for both Potter and Ron Weasley before finally landing the role of Draco Malfoy. In the end, he won over casting directors with his cool detachment, saying he was "nonchalant" and had "no idea what anyone was on about."
From that moment, life was never the same. He carried Malfoy through all eight "Harry Potter" films, balancing life on set with school. Fame came along for the ride, but it wasn't as dazzling as most might imagine.
Following the end of the "Harry Potter" franchise, Felton didn't disappear. He took on a wide variety of roles in films such as "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," "From the Rough," and "The Disappeared." Still, no matter where his career went, Malfoy lingered in the public's imagination.
His most recent return to the role is perhaps the boldest yet — a live performance every night. But Felton is no stranger to the stage. In 2022, he made his West End debut in "2:22: A Ghost Story," an intense experience that reminded him just how raw and demanding live theatre can be.
Leaping Broadway hasn't been a solo journey. Felton's longtime friend and co-star Daniel Radcliffe has been a significant support system. "My old school chum, Potter, [Daniel] Radcliffe, has done quite a bit of Broadway, so he's holding my hand and certainly helping me through all the things that are hard to learn," Felton told People.
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Devoted fans have followed Felton's journey every step of the way — and they have noticed his transformation. "He's More Handsome now," one admirer wrote. Another praised his evolution as "the best of the child actors by miles." Looking back, one fan reflected on the passage of time, "24 years later…we all grew up with him."
Some pointed to the irony of his character arc, with one writing, "Played the villain but turns out he's the good guy," and another adding, "The Villian [sic] becomes the Hero."
Felton never imagined he'd continue acting this far into adulthood — and yet, here he is, the only original film cast member to join the Broadway adaptation. Beginning November 11 this year, he took the stage at New York's Lyric Theatre in the role of adult Malfoy — and as a parent — through March 22, 2026.
After years spent redefining himself, Felton's return to the character that started it all feels both nostalgic and triumphant. Here's a look at Felton through the years:
2001
Tom Felton steps into the spotlight with youthful confidence, his blond hair and sharp suit giving him a polished yet boyish charm. His loosened tie and easy smile hint at a night of celebration rather than formality. Arriving at the British Academy Children’s Film & Television Awards, he carries the energy of a rising star enjoying every moment.
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2003
Emma Watson and Tom Felton share a proud moment, standing side by side with the Disney Channel Kids Award gleaming between them. Her bright smile and his subtle grin capture the excitement of young stars celebrating "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets." Together, they look every bit the triumphant duo, holding an award that marked a magical chapter in their early careers.
2004
Tom Felton steps onto the red carpet with an easy grin, dressed in a relaxed suit that mirrors his youthful charm. The excitement of the "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" premiere buzzes around him as fans gather in anticipation. Confident and carefree, he stands as a young star enjoying every moment of the magic.
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2005
Tom Felton arrives at the "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" aftershow party looking polished in a pinstripe suit and soft yellow shirt. A bright poppy pin adds a thoughtful touch to his youthful, easy going charm. With a relaxed smile and hands in his pockets, he exudes the quiet confidence of a rising star enjoying the night.
2006
David Bradley, Tom Felton, Jamie Waylett, and Josh Herdman peer around a stone pillar like a mischievous Slytherin totem pole in motion. Their expressions range from sly to suspicious, each one perfectly in character against the cold Hogwarts walls. It's a moment of on-set camaraderie wrapped in classic villainous curiosity from "Order of the Phoenix."
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2007
Tom Felton stands under a clear umbrella, rain-speckled and smiling as if the storm were part of the event's charm. His suit bears the marks of London's drizzle, yet he carries himself with easy confidence and good humor. It's a quintessentially British premiere moment and the magic goes on.
2009
Tom Felton stands with an easy grin, his undone bow tie giving him a charmingly relaxed, post-premiere glow. The silver tones of his outfit echo the moody magic of the film promoted just behind him. It's a moment that captures youthful confidence, red-carpet ease, and a hint of Draco Malfoy mischief left over from the screen.
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2010
Tom Felton steps out for the "Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows" premiere in a sharply tailored suit, looking every bit the polished opposite of his on-screen persona. With a soft smile and a poppy pinned to his lapel, he carries a quiet confidence beneath the whirlwind of excitement around him. Framed against the film's dramatic backdrop, he stands poised at the dawn of Harry Potter's final chapter.
2011
Tom Felton steps onto the red carpet in a sleek navy suit, looking effortlessly polished against the Hollywood buzz. With a calm smile and hands casually at his sides, he brings a touch of understated charm to the high-energy premiere. Set before the bold backdrop of the "Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes" poster, he stands poised at the intersection of elegance and excitement.
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2012
Tom Felton steps onto the black carpet in a relaxed, earth-toned look that contrasts the "The Woman In Black" film's eerie backdrop. With a soft grin and hands casually tucked in his pockets, he brings an effortless charm to the suspense-filled premiere. Framed by haunting imagery behind him, he stands as a calm presence amid the night's ghostly anticipation.
2013
Tom Felton stands in a softly lit studio, blending casual ease with tailored polish in a checked shirt and blue blazer. His relaxed pose and thoughtful glance lend a quiet charm to the Toronto International Film Festival's bustling atmosphere. Amid the event's cinematic excitement, he brings calm, understated confidence.
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2015
Stepping out in a relaxed denim look, bringing easy charm to the Milk + Bookies 6th Annual Story Time Celebration's cheerful atmosphere, Tom Felton's casual confidence pairs effortlessly with the playful, kid-friendly spirit of the event. At the function, he blends star power with a down-to-earth warmth.
2016
Tom Felton sits poised at the press table, his thoughtful expression matching the weight of the conversation at hand. Wrapped in a textured sweater, he brings a calm, grounded presence to the room of eager listeners. At the "A United Kingdom" press conference during the 60th BFI London Film Festival, his quiet focus speaks louder than words.
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2017
Tom Felton beams under the bright stage lights, his heart-patterned shirt matching the warmth of his smile. With a microphone in hand and an excited crowd before him, he radiates easy going charm and enthusiasm. At Argentina Comic-Con in Costa Salguero, he appears completely at home among fans who adore him.
2018
Tom Felton stands by a glowing fireplace, his vibrant patterned shirt adding a burst of color to the cozy setting. With a relaxed smile and hands tucked into his pockets, he exudes an effortlessly bohemian charm. At the Celebration of YouTube Originals, he blends warmth and style as naturally as the flames behind him.
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2020
Tom Felton beams with easy going charm as he strides across the lush fairway, glove in hand and sunshine in his smile. Dressed in a crisp golf polo and cap, he looks every bit the relaxed competitor enjoying a perfect Hawaiian day. At the Sony Open pro-am, he blends sport and good spirits as naturally as the island breeze.
2021
Tom Felton cuts a refined figure in a midnight-blue velvet tuxedo, standing poised against a lush backdrop of greenery. With a classic bow tie and composed expression, he brings understated elegance to the Royal Albert Hall.
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2022
Tom Felton steps out for the Olivier Awards in a crisp black tuxedo, exuding polished confidence. His composed expression and classic bow tie lend a timeless air to the evening's celebration of theater. At London's Royal Albert Hall, he brings understated charm to one of the stage world's grandest nights.
2024
Tom Felton strolls through the Wimbledon crowds with a chilled drink in hand, blending relaxed elegance with summer charm. His light blazer, pastel trousers, and easy confidence capture the spirit of the iconic "Pimm's on the Hill" tradition.
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2025
Tom Felton takes his first Broadway bow as Draco Malfoy, standing in the glow of the Lyric Theatre with a proud, quiet smile. Dressed in character's dark robes, he carries the gravity of the role with a newfound stage presence. The moment marks a triumphant debut, blending nostalgia with a fresh chapter in the wizarding world.
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