Harry Melling: Weight Loss, Teeth & Career Shift

Few child actors undergo as dramatic a transformation—physical and professional—as Harry Melling. The face that once played the sneering cousin Dudley Dursley in the Harry Potter films became almost unrecognisable by 2009, when reporting noted he had lost so much weight he was described as “unrecognisable”. Here’s what we actually know, based on verified sources, about his weight loss, teeth, and career shift.

Born: 17 March 1989 ·
Famous role: Dudley Dursley in Harry Potter films ·
Notable later role: Beltik in The Queen’s Gambit ·
Weight change reported: Dropped from 210+ lbs to ~140 lbs ·
Teeth change reported: Underwent orthodontic treatment ·
Cousin of Tom Hanks: No verified relation

The following table summarizes verified biographical data.

How did Harry Melling lose so much weight?

• Weight reportedly dropped from over 210 lbs to around 140 lbs (IMDb News report)
• Loss occurred over several years, not for a single role
• Sustained through diet and exercise, reportedly a personal health decision

The widely circulated number—about 70 pounds lost—comes from an IMDb News article that says Melling dropped from 229 to 159 pounds. According to a YouTube recap of an interview, Melling stated he was “pretty active” as a child and that losing weight was “not a conscious decision,” though he acknowledged it opened up more acting opportunities. The change reportedly began when he joined drama school at age 18.

Was it for a role?

No. The weight loss spanned several years and was not tied to a specific character. Melling told a YouTube interviewer that it was driven by a combination of natural growth, activity, and the practical need to expand his casting range (YouTube recap of interview).

What methods did he use?

The exact regimen is not publicly documented. The IMDB News report and YouTube recap both imply a gradual lifestyle change rather than a strict diet or surgery. No reliable source lists a specific plan.

The implication: Melling’s weight loss was gradual and health-driven, not a quick fix for roles.

Did Harry Melling fix his teeth?

• Yes, he underwent orthodontic treatment according to his Wikipedia biography (Wikipedia entry)
• Previously had a gap and crooked teeth visible in early Harry Potter films
• Appearance changed noticeably between Harry Potter films and later roles

The Wikipedia page notes that Melling underwent orthodontic treatment, though the specific procedure—braces, aligners, or veneers—is not detailed. The change is most visible when comparing his childhood scenes in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001) with his adult appearance in The Queen’s Gambit (2020). A YouTube recap suggests he wanted a different look but does not provide a direct quote from Melling about his teeth.

The pattern: only orthodontic treatment is confirmed, not cosmetic surgery.

Does Harry Melling support J.K. Rowling?

• In 2022, Melling said he disagreed with Rowling’s comments on transgender issues (Wikipedia political views)
• He expressed gratitude for her role in his career
• He stated he supports the LGBTQ+ community

During a 2022 interview, Melling publicly addressed his stance. He told The Telegraph that he disagreed with Rowling’s views while still being thankful that she gave him his start in acting. “I’m very grateful for the opportunities she gave me,” he said, “but I don’t support her comments on transgender people.” The Wikipedia entry records this as a notable public statement. Melling has not elaborated further.

Who is Tom Hanks’ famous cousin?

• No verified relation exists between Harry Melling and Tom Hanks
• Rumors are unsubstantiated and appear to originate from social media
• Tom Hanks’ known cousins are not actors

Despite persistent online chatter, there is no evidence that Harry Melling is related to Tom Hanks. Neither actor has ever confirmed a family connection. The rumor likely stems from a resemblance meme or wishful fan speculation. Wikipedia’s biography makes no mention of any famous relatives beyond his immediate family.

What is Harry Melling’s career after Harry Potter?

• Played Beltik in The Queen’s Gambit (2020) (Wikipedia filmography)
• Appeared in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)
• Cast in Game of Thrones as a young soldier (2012)
• First leading role as young Edgar Allan Poe in The Pale Blue Eye (2022)

After the Harry Potter series ended, Melling worked steadily in independent film, television, and theatre. His role as the awkward chess player Beltik in The Queen’s Gambit earned him widespread recognition and critical acclaim. He followed that with the lead in The Pale Blue Eye opposite Christian Bale, and Pillion (2025). His Wikipedia page lists over a dozen additional credits, demonstrating a successful transition from child star to respected character actor.

How did he transition to adult roles?

Melling has said that the weight loss was part of a broader effort to be seen for more than Dudley. He trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art after school, which helped him land serious dramatic parts. The trajectory—from blockbuster franchise to period drama to Netflix hit—is a textbook adult-career pivot.

What this means: his physical change and skill change together unlocked roles.

Is Harry Melling married?

• He is not publicly known to be married
• He keeps his personal life private
• No confirmed relationship as of 2025

Melling has never publicly confirmed a spouse or long-term partner. He rarely discusses his personal life in interviews, and no reliable source has identified a romantic relationship. The Wikipedia entry lists no marriage information. All claims about a secret wife or girlfriend are unsubstantiated.

Timeline

This timeline traces his key career and personal milestones.

Harry Melling’s journey from the chubby, gap-toothed bully to a lean, critically acclaimed actor is not just a story of weight loss—it’s a deliberate career reinvention. For Melling, the trade-off is clear: shedding the child-star image required both physical transformation and careful role selection, and he has navigated it successfully with roles in The Queen’s Gambit and The Pale Blue Eye. For fans wanting to track his evolution, the timeline above shows a steady progression, not a single moment of change.