Rupert Grint
The English actor who grew up on screen as the lovably grumpy Ron Weasley, then deftly carved a quirky, offbeat career beyond the wizarding world.
Born 1988 (age 38)·English actor·Birthday: August 24·Millennials
Biography
Rupert Grint was plucked from school plays at eleven to embody Ron Weasley, the loyal, humorously anxious best friend in the Harry Potter film series. For a decade, he grew up alongside his character, providing the franchise with its heart and much of its comic relief. When the global phenomenon ended, Grint faced the classic child-actor dilemma. His solution was characteristically unshowy: he leaned into his distinctive, everyman quality. He chose oddball projects, from the crude comedy of 'Moonwalkers' to the dark thriller 'CBGB' and the surreal TV series 'Sick Note.' His most significant post-Potter work came in the psychological horror series 'Servant,' where he played a complex, troubled husband. Grint’s career is a study in steady, deliberate reinvention, choosing curiosity over celebrity.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Rupert was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Rupert Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Rupert's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played Ron Weasley in all eight Harry Potter films, a role that defined a generation of cinema.
- Starred as Julian Pearce in M. Night Shyamalan's psychological thriller series 'Servant' for Apple TV+.
- Made his West End theatre debut in a 2013 production of 'Mojo,' receiving positive reviews.
Did You Know?
He bought an ice cream truck with his early Harry Potter earnings and drove it around, giving out free ice cream.
Grint is a certified scuba diver.
He and his Harry Potter co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson have matching tattoos of the date they started filming.
“It was a weird kind of loss, finishing Potter. It was my whole identity for so long.”
