April 2024 · 6 minute read

Evanna Lynch and Rupert Grint | Evanna Lynch | Source: Getty Images | Youtube/Russell Howard

Evanna Lynch's portrayal of Luna Lovegood in the final four "Harry Potter" films added a lot of depth to the franchise. Convinced that she could do the character justice, she declined an offer from JK Rowling to play an extra in anticipation of one day going after the role.

The ethereal Irish star was cast in the franchise at 14 after participating in the open auditions with close to 15,000 other hopefuls. On completing the final film, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2," she relocated to Los Angeles, where she did not land many roles but a life-changing lifestyle.

Evanna Lynch at the Centre for the Talented Youth of Ireland at Dublin City University, on July 24, 2007. | Source: Getty Images

Evanna Lynch and the Secret Boyfriend She Met on Set

As the new cast member on the fifth installment of the fantasy franchise, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," Lynch connected with another newbie, Robbie Jarvis, who portrayed a teenage James Potter in only one memorable scene.

After they began dating in 2007, they remained discreet with their romance until May 2015, when Lynch wished him a happy birthday on social media. Asked about the relationship at a premiere over a year later, she stated that they had broken up but assured:

"We're both vegans, so we go to a lot of vegan events together. So yeah, we're still good friends."

Robbie Jarvis arrives on the red carpet during the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Los Angeles TV Tea 2012 held at the London Hotel in Los Angeles, on September 22, 2012. | Source: Getty Images

Only three weeks before Lynch confirmed the split, Jarvis wrote a long post about how she had turned him onto veganism when they were on vacation in Hobbiton in New Zealand. During their courtship, they also traveled extensively in the US and visited Japan.

This was not the only love to sprout on set. Bonnie Wright's Ginny Weasley might have ended up with Daniel Radcliffe's Harry Potter, but off-screen, she fell for the actor who played Gellert Grindelwald, Jamie Campbell Bower.

They got engaged in 2011 but had a reportedly amicable split the following year. Emma Watson admitted that she had a crush on Tom Felton while making the early movies, but nothing romantically ever transpired between the two.

Evanna Lynch poses at a photocall for "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" at a Tesco Extra store on July 14, 2007 in Watford, England. | Source: Getty Images

How the ‘Harry Potter’ Universe and J.K. Rowling Comforted Evanna Lynch during Her Struggle with an Eating Disorder

Growing up in a high-achieving Catholic family as the third of four children, Lynch had an idyllic childhood. She was diagnosed with an eating disorder at 11 that had her in hospitals for the next two years.

The actress explained in a 2016 interview how the illness got hold of her: "It was a struggle for identity. My siblings are all go-getters, so brainy! [...] That left me wondering: what the hell am I going to do? I have nothing special to give." She added:

"I didn't plan for an eating disorder. But I soon found that it was a way of getting attention that I could control. People would say: aren't you amazing that you exercise so much? I was hungry all day, cold all day. But the punishment made me feel worthy. "

Evanna Lynch and Rupert Grint attend the Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure preview at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, on June 11, 2019, in Orlando, Florida. | Source: Getty Images

With her head full of numbers, she "felt free" when opening a "Harry Potter" book, particularly connecting with the Luna Lovegoods for the self-acceptance of her differences. She wrote to Rowling for advice, beginning a pen pal relationship with the author.

During her tenure on "Dancing with the Stars" in 2018, she interpreted this experience with professional dancer and partner Keo Motsepe in a dance to "Hedwig's Theme." She spoke about how the books were the only light for her in a very dark time.

The star insists that her story is not the fairytale portrayed in the media. "Those kind of issues they're never that neat," she said. She highlighted how it was not a case that she found "Harry Potter," and her mental illness was "cured."

Lynch would not have gotten through the illness or made a success of the movies had she not started believing in herself. She and Motsepe came third in "DWTS."

"Anyone who has been through an eating disorder needs to do something physical to give themselves peace of mind," the Irishwoman said in 2014 as she expanded her skillset to become a yoga instructor. Having a "real person job" alongside her other ventures kept her life in balance.

Though her acting career has been slow, she has kept busy with Kinder Beauty―a vegan beauty box company she co-founded, her podcast, "Just Beings," with Dr. Melanie Joy, and a book she wrote, "The Opposite of Butterfly Hunting."

'Who Are You??' Evanna Lynch Stunned Fans with Radical New Hair

"Big mood shift lately," Lynch wrote, introducing her new brunette locks in August 2023 on her social media. "Here is my new look! I do feel blonde suits me better, but lately, in all my dreams, I was consistently sporting these glamorous shiny raven locks for some reason."

The darker shade on the actress, famous for her long blond hair, makes her blue eyes pop. "I felt I was being stalked by my dark and shadowy twin, so I had to become her!" she continued. "I so want to cut it to a bob again but will wait for further dream guidance…" In response, Writer Victoria Moran said,

"Evanna! Your brunette twin is gorgeous. Love you so much!"

An Instagram user comments on Evanna Lynch’s post. | Source: Instagram/evannalynch

An Instagram user comments on Evanna Lynch’s post. | Source: Instagram/evannalynch

An Instagram user comments on Evanna Lynch’s post. | Source: Instagram/evannalynch

Evanna Lynch attends the opening of "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" at Universal Studios Hollywood on April 5, 2016, in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images

In the snap, Lynch's bouncy curls with a side part give the illusion that she already received the "dream guidance" to cut her hair shorter into a bob. "Hii Evanna Lynch??" one fan checked to see if it was the same star.

"Who are you?? What happened to Evy? " another asked, punctuating the comment with a smiley face emoji. "Ooh!! Luna Lovegood (Evanna Lynch) gives a different look with black hair. Nice, I like it," a self-identified Potterhead gave their approval.

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