Actress Imelda Staunton is the face associated with one of the most disliked and hated characters in the world of Harry Potter. The English actress is known for her wide acting range, which has garnered her critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination. However, despite tackling a variety of roles Staunton is synonymous with the role of Professor Dolores Umbridge from the Harry Potter films.
In an interview, Staunton spoke candidly about her role in the hit franchise, while admitting that she hates her character as much as fans. However, Staunton also discussed the challenge of playing such a complex character in a beloved franchise like Harry Potter. Here is what Imelda Staunton has said about her time as Professor Dolores Umbridge.
Imelda Staunton Voices Disdain For Her Harry Potter Role
Imelda Staunton debuted as Professor Dolores Umbridge in 2007’s Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. She later reprised the role in 2010’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1. However, despite just playing the character twice, Staunton has become synonymous with the role, particularly because of the general dislike for the character among the fans.
In a 2016 interview with EW, Staunton spoke about her character’s villainous traits and did not hold back going as far as calling her a monster.
“I don’t have to have sympathy at all, not in the slightest. I think she’s a bloody monster and to be played as such.”
Staunton made the above statement clarifying that she does not identify with Umbridge’s beliefs or actions. However, the actress further explained that the character is deluded, and she did not need to understand her motivations beyond her delusional nature.
“I don’t need to understand what she does, but from a character point of view, she believes she’s doing the absolute best for that school. Yet again, I have embraced a completely and utterly deluded woman.”
In the statement, Staunton references the authoritarian stance and dictatorial presence of Professor Umbridge, which has made her one of the most despised characters in fiction. However, the character’s personality, particularly her stance on ethnic cleansing, made the role an interesting challenge for Staunton.
Imelda Staunton Credits David Yates With Help Embracing Professor Umbridge
In the same interview, Imelda Staunton discussed the challenge of playing a character like Professor Umbridge. Staunton credited director David Yates with helping her embrace the character and understand the political side of Professor Umbridge, forcing her to take the role seriously.
In a 2007 interview with the LA Times, Yates addressed the cruelty of Professor Umbridge.
“Professor Umbridge is quite damaged as a person. She basically abuses Harry and puts him through this horrific detention. It is horrific abuse.”
Similarly, in a 2019 interview with Out Magazine, Staunton explained how her character’s cruel behavior stems from her absolute belief in her actions.
“These people who absolutely believe they are doing the right thing. So it’s not like, ‘I am evil, and I’m going to do …,’ and that’s so much more frightening.”
Staunton admitted that she enjoyed the challenge of playing a dark and complex character like Professor Umbridge. However, some scenes left her feeling horrible, particularly because of her character’s cruelty to Harry Potter and his friends. Staunton has since moved on to other similarly complex roles, including playing Queen Elizabeth II in Netflix’s The Crown.
