John Skelley's Journey to Broadway as Harry Potter

For actor John Skelley, playing Harry Potter is more than just a role; it’s a journey that has marked his career across various moments and locations. The character has reappeared in his life during critical phases, always seeming to arrive when needed.

Currently, Skelley leads the cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway, embodying the adult wizard set nearly two decades after Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This isn’t merely a casting choice; it feels like fate.

“It’s something that keeps coming back into my life,” Skelley reflects. “There were times I thought that chapter was over, yet the door kept opening.”

From Minor Role to Star

Skelley first joined the production as an understudy, ready to step into the lead role as needed. He then became the lead in the San Francisco production, which began in late 2019 before the pandemic closed theaters nationwide.

At that time, he wasn't even a major fan of the franchise. He hadn’t read the books pre-audition and had only casually watched the films. However, this changed rapidly; after securing the role, he committed to reading all seven books weekly, diving deep into the wizarding realm.

Today, Harry Potter is integral to his life, onstage and off. “The amount of Harry Potter memorabilia around me is astonishing,” he jokes.

Perseverance Driven Career

Originally from Minneapolis, Skelley’s acting path began at eight in a school musical. He later trained at the University of Minnesota’s Guthrie Theater Actor Training Program and has been professionally active since 2007.

Relocating to New York with his wife, actor Maren Searle, in 2014, they experienced years filled with auditions, voice work, and off-Broadway performances. Like many artists, Skelley encountered financial instability and prolonged periods without steady employment.

Thus, receiving the Potter call felt transformative.

“My approach to auditions was straightforward—never give up early,” he recalls, recounting a lesson from childhood football. This determination led to his agent’s iconic question: “Would you like to go to Hogwarts?”

Traversing the Wizarding World

Expanding his journey with Potter, Skelley joined the national tour after San Francisco reopened post-pandemic, performing in major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., with his wife touring as part of the ensemble.

This winter marked a significant return to Broadway, not just as a backup but as the official Harry Potter.

Director John Tiffany lauds Skelley’s portrayal for its emotional richness and leadership. “He delivers remarkable authenticity and depth to Harry,” Tiffany praises. “Witnessing his growth over the years has been a pleasure.”

Stage Legacy and Connection

Skelley now shares the stage with Tom Felton, known for his role as Draco Malfoy, while at times his wife understudies for Ginny Weasley, letting them portray a married couple on stage. For Skelley, the highlights come from the audience.

“People my age are now bringing their children,” he shares. “For many, it’s their initial experience with live theater.”

This is the kind of magic he wishes to pass on—not just the thrill of spells and spectacle but a rejuvenated appreciation for live performances.

“Theater has shaped my life,” Skelley states. “If this production inspires even a few to support live shows in their communities, that means everything to me.”