Chris Rankin is a New Zealand-born British actor, director, and producer, best known for his role as Percy Weasley in the Harry Potter film series.
Born on November 8, 1983, in Auckland, New Zealand, Rankin lived in Rothesay Bay until the age of six, when his family relocated to Norfolk, United Kingdom.
He was adopted and raised by his parents, Marilyn and Riley Rankin, with his mother working in education.
Rankin discovered his passion for acting at age 11, participating in school plays and local youth theatre in Norfolk.
His professional acting career began at 16 when he auditioned for and secured the role of Percy Weasley, the ambitious and rule-abiding older brother of Ron Weasley, in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001).
Sibling
Chris has two siblings, an older brother and a younger sister. His brother is named Eric Rankin, and his sister’s name is Andra Matthews.
However, information about Chris’ siblings including their personal lives or career pursuits are limited, as he has maintained a relatively private personal life.
Career
Rankin’s career began with his breakout role as Percy Weasley in the Harry Potter series, starting with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 2001.
He reprised the role in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007), and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011), with an uncredited cameo in Part 1 (2010).
Also Read: Lucien Laviscount Siblings: Getting to Know Louis and Jules Laviscount
His character was absent from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) due to story cuts.
Beyond the Wizarding World, Rankin has built a diverse career in film, television, and theatre.
He played Waring in the BBC’s three-part drama The Rotters’ Club (2005) and Evelyn Wood in Channel 5’s Victoria Cross Heroes.
On stage, he has taken roles such as Edgar Linton in Wuthering Heights, Eilert Loevborg in Hedda Gabler, and Young Syrian in Salomé, and has performed in pantomimes like Jack and the Beanstalk and The Wizard of Oz.
In 2004, he co-founded Painted Horse Theatre Company with director Jim Rymer, directing and starring in their debut production of Hedda Gabler.
Rankin also ventured into production, working as an assistant production coordinator on Downton Abbey (2010–2015) and Atlantis (2013–2015).
He starred in and produced a 2009 YouTube video, LifeHack, and appeared as Mycroft Holmes in the Hillywood Show’s Sherlock parody in 2016.
Outside acting, Rankin has worked in various jobs, including as a barman at a Wetherspoons pub in Monmouth, South Wales, and as an usher at UCI Cinemas.
He frequently attends Comic Cons and Harry Potter conventions worldwide, engaging with fans and sharing his experiences.
Rankin completed a media production degree at the University of Lincoln in 2011 and remains active in creative pursuits, including advocacy through his “House of ChrisNess” initiative with his fiancée.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
