Domhnall Gleeson in Harry Potter may have left a memorable mark as Bill Weasley, but the actor recently shared that his very first day on set was far from perfect. According to Gleeson, nerves got the best of him during his opening scene, and instead of delivering his lines with an English accent, he accidentally slipped into an Australian one. The mistake left him feeling mortified in front of hundreds of crew members, but looking back, he can now laugh about it.
A Rocky Beginning for Bill Weasley
When Gleeson joined the Harry Potter franchise, it was already a global phenomenon. The Weasley family had become fan favorites, and the introduction of Bill Weasley was a highly anticipated moment. That made his first day even more daunting. He admitted that the unexpected accent slip was one of the most embarrassing moments of his career.
Despite that rocky start, Gleeson quickly found his rhythm and delivered a convincing performance. Fans embraced him as Bill Weasley, and his addition to the beloved wizarding family was seen as seamless.
Domhnall Gleeson’s Rise Beyond Hogwarts
While his role in Harry Potter brought him into the spotlight for many U.S. viewers, Gleeson has since built an impressive career across film and television. He has proven his versatility, moving from fantasy adventures to intense dramas and comedies.
Some of his most notable roles have included:
- The romantic lead in About Time, which earned him recognition for heartfelt performances.
- The calculating tech genius in Ex Machina, showcasing his range in science fiction.
- A commanding role in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and its sequels as General Hux.
These projects solidified Gleeson as a respected actor in Hollywood, but his story about joining Harry Potter remains one of his most relatable anecdotes.
A New Chapter on Television
In 2025, Gleeson has returned to the small screen in a fresh way. He stars in The Paper, a workplace comedy set in a struggling Ohio newspaper. Styled in a mockumentary format, the series is often compared to The Office, though Gleeson emphasizes that it stands on its own.
Playing editor Ned Sampson, Gleeson brings a balance of awkward humor and determination to a character trying to keep local journalism alive. The show has already connected with American audiences and received an early renewal for its second season, proving Gleeson’s continued draw with U.S. viewers.
Balancing Humor and Serious Roles
One of the reasons Domhnall Gleeson in Harry Potter still resonates is because of his natural comedic timing, even in the midst of fantasy and action. That same quality shines through in The Paper, while his dramatic skills remain evident in projects like Fountain of Youth, a 2025 action-adventure film where he plays a key role alongside other major stars.
This ability to move fluidly between lighthearted comedy, serious drama, and blockbuster action is what sets him apart in Hollywood. Gleeson is not confined to one type of role, and his career trajectory proves his willingness to challenge himself.
Looking Back With Humor
What makes his Harry Potter story so endearing is that Gleeson shares it with humor and honesty. Rather than hiding an embarrassing moment, he embraces it as a lesson in humility. Many fans find this refreshing, as it shows that even actors in some of the biggest film franchises in history can stumble.
Instead of being defined by that one mistake, Gleeson turned it into a funny story—and a reminder that success often comes with a few missteps along the way.
Then and Now
| Period | Project | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Early Career | Harry Potter | Nervous debut as Bill Weasley, accent slip |
| 2010s–2020s | Star Wars, Ex Machina, About Time | Established versatility in film |
| 2025 | The Paper | Mockumentary comedy, renewed for Season 2 |
| 2025 | Fountain of Youth | Action-heist adventure on streaming |
In conclusion, Domhnall Gleeson in Harry Potter began with a stumble he’ll never forget, but it was only the start of a career defined by resilience, humor, and talent. From that awkward first day as Bill Weasley to leading roles in television and film, Gleeson continues to win over audiences. What do you think—does this make him one of the most relatable stars in Hollywood today?