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Juliet Stevenson on body image, Gaza abuse, and never landing a Harry Potter role

other · 2026-05-02

In a recent interview with The Guardian, 69-year-old Juliet Stevenson shares insights into her professional journey and personal experiences. The actress, who is a RADA alumna and first appeared on screen in Drowning By Numbers, is performing in By a Lady, a production centered on Jane Austen, at Buxton Opera House on 10 May. In 1992, she earned an Olivier Award for her role in Death and the Maiden and was honored with the Critics’ Circle best actress award in 2019 for The Doctor. Stevenson expresses regret over never landing a part in Harry Potter and discusses her battles with body image, severe online harassment for her stance on the Gaza conflict, and her unexpected change of heart regarding marriage, ultimately marrying after lockdown. She resides in London with her husband and two children.

Key facts

  • Juliet Stevenson is 69 years old.
  • She studied at RADA.
  • Film debut in Drowning By Numbers.
  • Other films: Truly, Madly, Deeply and Bend It Like Beckham.
  • On stage for RSC and National Theatre.
  • Won Olivier in 1992 for Death and the Maiden.
  • Won 2019 Critics’ Circle best actress award for The Doctor.
  • Currently touring By a Lady at Buxton Opera House on 10 May.
  • Lives in London, married with two children.
  • Biggest disappointment: never got a role in Harry Potter.
  • Struggled with body image all her life.
  • Receives horrific online abuse for opposing assault on Gaza.
  • Vowed never to marry but married after lockdown.
  • Would bring back her father if she could bring something extinct back to life.
  • Guilty pleasure: watching dogs on Instagram late at night.
  • Worst job: working in a supermarket on Kings Road at age 17.
  • Would change how she cared for her mother with dementia.
  • Would choose sex over more money or fame.

Entities

Artists

  • Juliet Stevenson
  • Jane Austen
  • Jessie Buckley

Institutions

  • RADA
  • Royal Shakespeare Company
  • National Theatre
  • Buxton Opera House
  • Critics' Circle
  • Guardian

Locations

  • Essex
  • London
  • Buxton
  • Kings Road

Sources