The character often referred to as "the fat guy" in the Harry Potter series is Dudley Dursley, Harry Potter's spoiled and overweight cousin.
Dudley Dursley: Harry Potter's Overweight Cousin
Dudley Dursley is the only child of Petunia and Vernon Dursley and the primary tormentor of Harry Potter during his early years at Privet Drive. He is consistently depicted as being significantly larger than Harry, especially in his younger years, due to an indulgent upbringing and a diet rich in unhealthy foods. His size is a recurring point of description and a visual characteristic that sets him apart from Harry.
Key characteristics of Dudley include:
- Spoiled and Demanding: His parents cater to his every whim, leading to a highly self-centered personality.
- Bully: He frequently picks on Harry and other smaller children in his neighborhood, often with a gang of friends.
- Physically Large: Both in the books and films, his weight is a prominent feature, symbolizing his excess and greed compared to Harry's deprived existence.
- Limited Empathy: He struggles to understand others' perspectives, especially Harry's, until later in the series.
The Actor Behind Dudley: Harry Melling
Dudley Dursley was portrayed by English actor Harry Melling. Born on March 17, 1989, Melling brought the character of Dudley to life across several of the Harry Potter films.
Here's a quick overview of Harry Melling's involvement:
| Actor | Role | Films | Birthdate | Other Notable Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harry Melling | Dudley Dursley | 5 Harry Potter films (2001–2010) | March 17, 1989 | Harry Beltik in The Queen's Gambit (2020) |
Melling appeared in five of the eight Harry Potter films between 2001 and 2010. While his character was initially portrayed as quite large, Melling himself naturally grew and changed over the decade-long film series. By the later films, his appearance had significantly altered, showcasing his natural growth and dedication to the role, even requiring him to wear a fat suit in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 to maintain the character's earlier established physique.
After his role in Harry Potter, Harry Melling continued to build a diverse acting career, including acclaimed performances such as Harry Beltik in the popular Netflix series The Queen's Gambit.
