Juliet Stevenson, the acclaimed British actor, has revealed her biggest disappointment in her career: never landing a role in the Harry Potter franchise. In a candid interview, the 69-year-old star also discussed her lifelong struggle with body image, her love for fast driving, and her surprising change of heart on marriage.
Career Highlights and Regrets
Stevenson, who studied at Rada and made her film debut in Drowning By Numbers, has enjoyed a stellar career with roles in Truly, Madly, Deeply and Bend It Like Beckham. On stage, she has performed for the RSC and the National, winning an Olivier in 1992 for Death and the Maiden and the 2019 Critics' Circle best actress award for The Doctor. She is currently touring By a Lady, a show about Jane Austen, which will be at the Buxton Opera House on 10 May.
Despite her success, Stevenson admits to a significant disappointment: "I really wanted a role in Harry Potter and I never got one."
Body Image and Personal Traits
When asked what she most dislikes about her appearance, Stevenson replied, "Most of it. I've never been very keen on what I look like. I've struggled with body image all my life." She describes herself as impulsive, enthusiastic, and determined, and says the trait she most deplores in others is cruelty.
Driving and Formula One Dreams
Stevenson, who lives in London with her husband and two children, revealed a passion for speed. "What is the closest you've come to death? Many times on British roads, because I drive very fast. In another life, I would have liked doing Formula One," she said.
Marriage U-Turn and Other Insights
She also shared that she once vowed never to marry but changed her mind after lockdown. "I used to think it was patriarchal but when same-sex marriage became legal, I thought: OK, great, this institution has finally changed."
Other revelations include her guiltiest pleasure (watching dogs on Instagram late at night), her superpower choice (healing the sick), and her wish to bring back her father, who died young. She also discussed online abuse related to her opposition to the assault on Gaza, saying, "The abuse is horrific, but I've learned to ignore it."
Stevenson's tour of By a Lady continues, offering audiences a glimpse into Jane Austen's world.
