John Skelley’s story with Harry Potter feels almost magical. After first stepping into the role as an understudy, he has returned to the same character on Broadway, in a national tour, and in a San Francisco production. Each time he says, “It’s like something that just kind of keeps coming back into my life,” and he has repeatedly surprised himself that the opportunity keeps arriving.
Early Roots
Skelley grew up in Minneapolis and began acting at age eight in a second-grade musical called “It’s a Jungle Out There.” He earned a BFA in Actor Training from the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater and has worked professionally since 2007.
New York Beginnings
In 2014 he and his wife, actor Maren Searle, moved to New York. For four years they did commercial voice work, off-Broadway gigs and narrated audiobooks, building a steady, if modest, career.
A Small Role in a Big Show
Skelley’s first New York break came when he was cast in a brief episode of “Law & Order: SVU” as a Legal Aid lawyer. “I had like two lines, but I felt like I’d made it: ‘I’m a New York actor now. ‘Law & Order,’ baby!'” he recalled.
The Call to Hogwarts
His agent then asked if he would audition as an understudy for Harry Potter in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Skelley agreed. The play takes place 19 years after Deathly Hallows, with adult Harry married to Ginny Weasley and their children in danger again.
First Audition
He attended an hour-long movement call, even dancing with a wand, and then performed two scenes. He tried to keep smiling, remembering his own perseverance from trying out for his school football team. “I was not the greatest athlete by far. But my philosophy was like, ‘Run to the end of the drill, run to the end of the line, make sure you’re the kid who doesn’t give up early.'” he said.
The Agent’s Question
Two days later he received a callback and left thinking it had gone poorly. The next day his agent called with a single question: “Do you want to go to Hogwarts?” Skelley explained that he and his wife were struggling to make ends meet, and the role felt like a lifesaver.
Broadway Debut
The day after his Broadway debut as Potter, he was called back for the same role in the San Francisco production that opened in December 2019. The show closed in March 2020 as the pandemic gripped the nation.
Pandemic Pause and Return
The San Francisco show reopened in December 2021 and closed the following September. Skelley and his wife moved back to New York and within weeks received an offer to take Cursed Child on tour-six months in Chicago, four in Los Angeles, and two in Washington, D.C. Searle joined the ensemble, so they toured together.
Returning to Broadway
The next call was for Skelley to make the Potter role his own on Broadway this winter. Director John Tiffany praised him as a vital member of the show’s extended family. “He brings so much truth and vulnerability to the role of Harry. It’s been a joy to watch his performance deepen over the last seven years as he’s explored this iconic character,” Tiffany said. “A consummate professional and company leader, we’re beyond thrilled to have John back on Broadway for this full-circle moment.”
On Stage with a Husband and Wife
Searle also understudies Ginny, so the couple occasionally play husband and wife on stage. Skelley now shares the stage with Tom Felton, who reprises Draco Malfoy.
Reaching New Audiences
“It’s amazing seeing people kind of my age who grew up with the books who have kids of their own who are bringing them to the theater,” Skelley said. He hopes that people who see Cursed Child will leave wanting to see more live theater in their communities.
A Small Spark for the Theatrical World
“I’ve made my career in the theater, and it’s certainly not easy for a lot of theaters, especially now,” he added. “So I just hope that this in some small part can re-energize and excite people to go see theater.”
Key Takeaways
- Skelley’s journey from understudy to Broadway lead illustrates a persistent pull toward the Harry Potter story.
- The role has become a central part of his professional and personal life, inspiring him to read the books weekly and collect memorabilia.
- His hope is that the show’s success will encourage audiences to return to live theater.
The story of John Skelley reminds us that a single opportunity can become a lifelong passion, and that the magic of theater can inspire audiences to rediscover the joy of live performance.
