
It took just over a year to shoot both Deathly Hallows films, part 1 was released in 2010 and part 2 in 2011, with Diane getting called to the set at different points during shooting. "It's discriminatory really, often men play women in pantos, but women aren't allowed to play men." "I hope to do more panto, but there aren't enough parts for women," said Diane. 'I wish I'd slept with more people' says Essex comedian.In one of the franchise's most famous scenes, when Dobby dies in the Deathly Hallows Part 1, which was shot on a beach in Wales, Diane actually fell into Daniel Radcliffe's arms and had to pretend to be dead.ĭiane with CBeebies presenter Chris Jarvis and other cast members of the Tunbridge Wells production of Snow White Read More Related Articles The finished character was completely computer-generated and voiced by British actor Toby Jones. When scenes were shot with a green screen Diane had to wear a bald cap. The top 10 richest people in Essex, according to The Sunday Times Rich ListĪs Diane's 3ft and a quarter inch stature helped her portray popular elf Dobby, she was also used as one of 60 small actors to play goblins in the final showdown between Voldemort and Harry Potter, when house elves battled against the evil wizard.ĭiane, who uses a Shopmobility scooter to get around Chelmsford on shopping trips due to he her condition, had to wear masks and needed to shave her head to get some of the Dobby prosthetics on without pulling her hair out."But after about a week she wouldn't say 'hi' and just ignored us – that's not right, just because she's the leading lady doesn't give her the right to be rude to people." Read More Related Articles "We had a great laugh, 60 of us small people used to go down the local pub and the regulars couldn't believe it, they kept saying 'how many of you are there'?"Īlthough she regrets not getting the chance to meet Michael Gambon and Bill Nighy, who also starred in the series, there was one fellow star she did not get along with.ĭiane said: "When I first started, Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, was really nice. "They are lovely guys, really down to earth and friendly, they always have time for you," said Diane, who suffers from a genetic condition called pseudoachondroplasia that causes short limbs. She also met Jason Isaacs, who plays Lucius Malfoy, Ralph Fiennes, who played the Dark Lord, Lord Voldemort, and Helena Bonham Carter, Bellatrix Lestrange, who the panto actor described as a "lovely lady". One of Diane's prized possessions is a picture of her with Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley, and Tom Felton, who plays Draco Malfoy. "It was great fun, I enjoyed it and there was great camaraderie amongst the other actors," said Diane, who has spent her Harry Potter earnings on adapting her flat for her needs. Police warn further clown sightings could reignite with the release of horror film ITīut Diane says the experience was still enjoyable and had a great time with her co-stars.



"A lot of the time people don't believe me," said the 47-year-old, who has also played a baby wearing a suit in an Andrex advert. THE actor who played one of the most beloved characters in the multi-billion pound Harry Potter movies is still living a humble life in a housing association flat in Chelmsford.ĭiane Gibbins, of Trenchard Lodge, played house elf Dobby in the final two Harry Potter films.ĭespite the seven movies grossing more than £10 billion worldwide, Diane was paid just £360 a day, and says many people don't believe she even starred alongside Daniel Radcliffe.
