Life After Luna: Evanna Lynch

Welcome back, Potterheads! Last week we discussed Matthew Lewis, and what he has been doing post-Potter. This week’s spotlight is reserved for the slightly weird, yet adorably cute witch: Evanna Lynch, more famously known as Luna Lovegood.

(Photo Courtesy of Warner Brothers Studio)

The Irish actress Evanna Lynch, now 24, originally auditioned for the role of Luna Lovegood when she was 14-years-old due to seeing an open casting call on www.mugglenet.com (a source for all things Harry Potter). She was discouraged at a point because she didn't feel that she was good enough and was too shy to be an actress. Her love for the series trumped her discouragement and she tried out for the role of Lovegood anyways (ironic as a large theme in the series is that love conquers all). She felt that her love for the character and series itself was strong enough reason for her to bring Luna to life the right way. Lo and behold, that her string of courage opened up endless possibilites for Ms. Lynch as she was cast as Luna Lovegood in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and all the movies following it.

(Photo Courtesy of Evanna Lynch's Personal Facebook Page)

Following the Harry Potter franchise, she hasn't been in the film industry much, but that's not because she hasn't tried. Lynch told Tanya Sweeney, a reporter for Independent.ie, "We were told that this might be as good as it gets, but I didn't want to believe that," laughs Lynch. "I met a lot of amazing people, but [working on 'Harry Potter'] didn't teach me a lot about the industry, or how tough it would be to get another acting job. I didn't know at the time I was meeting this great producer or that well-known casting director ... they were just people to me."

(Photo Courtesy of My Name is Emily)

Lynch, who moved to Los Angeles to continue her film career, has only starred in a couple of movies post-Potter including G.B.F., It Don't Come Easy, Addiction: A 60's Love Story, My Name is Emily and Danny and the Human Zoo.

Outside of the acting world, though, Lynch lives a normal, serene and peaceful life. She is the UNICEF Ireland Ambassador and lends a helping hand around the world when devastation strikes. When Tanya Sweeney asked about her trip to the Philippines Lynch responded, "On the trip, I wanted to learn about the country and really get my hands dirty, but I found I was having to be a celebrity. I thought to myself 'this is so useless', and I felt like a bit of a bimbo, to be honest. But after a while I was like, 'get over yourself'. These people want hope, and that's what helps them in the long term. What they want is a voice in the world."

Lynch realized that her dream of acting may not be going according to plan, but that it won't stop her from living a normal life. She has recently become a certified yoga instructor in Los Angeles where she does private sessions and group sessions.

Lynch may not be taking on as many acting jobs as her other Potter co-stars, but she has quite the level-head and is making a difference in the world. The world hopes to see more of the heart-warming Ms. Lynch this year! Check back here at the end of the semester as we update any new films, television shows or theatre shows that Lynch may star in!

(Photo Courtesy of sokek.com)

Don't forget to apparate back here next week to hear about what the class clowns, James and Oliver Phelps, have been up to since their Fred and George Weasley days. If you don't know what apparate means, you're more than likely a muggle and you may just surf the internet to get back here to my magical page!