Katie Leung, now 38, reflects on her early Harry Potter fame as both a blessing and a burden—revealing why she wouldn’t relive it. In candid interviews, she discusses the racism she faced, the pressure of sudden stardom, and how her new role in Bridgerton marks a confident step into the next chapter of her career.
Katie Leung, the actress who brought Cho Chang to life in the Harry Potter series, has opened up about the complexities of her early fame. In a February 2026 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Leung spoke about the overwhelming experience of joining one of the biggest film franchises in history at just 17 years old. Now, as she steps into the new season of Bridgerton as Lady Araminta Gun, Leung reflects on how far she’s come—and why she wouldn’t go back.
A Star Thrust into the Spotlight Too Soon
Leung was only 17 when she was cast as Cho Chang, Harry Potter’s first crush, in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005). In hindsight, she admits the sudden fame was “overwhelming,” particularly for someone so young and still figuring out who she was. “I was so easily influenced by what people would say about me because I didn’t know who I was,” she told Entertainment Tonight. The pressure of global recognition, combined with the scrutiny that came with it, left her feeling vulnerable.
As she reveals in a December 2025 interview with The Guardian, the experience was marked by insecurity and self-awareness. “Being in the spotlight from that age, when you’re already insecure, was difficult,” she shared. The intensity of fan expectations and media criticism shaped her early years, sometimes making her more reserved and cautious.
Facing Racism: The Dark Side of Fame
Leung’s time on Harry Potter wasn’t just about the stresses of sudden fame—it also exposed her to online harassment. She revealed that during the height of her fame, she Googled herself and was met with racist comments and hate. “It just sat with me,” she said, explaining how the negativity affected her choices and even her personality. “It probably made me less outgoing. I was very self-aware of what was coming out of my mouth.”
Despite these challenges, Leung acknowledges the profound impact Harry Potter has had on her life and career. “I feel really blessed, genuinely,” she told The Guardian. “I’m grateful for it, and it still resonates with a lot of people.” But she also emphasizes how much she’s grown since then—how she’s learned to set boundaries, know her worth, and focus on what truly matters.
From Ravenclaw to Regency: A New Chapter
Stepping into the role of Lady Araminta Gun in Bridgerton ‘s fourth season marks a significant cultural and personal shift for Leung. She describes her approach to the new role as more experienced and self-assured. “I feel like I know who I am. I know what I want,” she said. “I know my boundaries.”
This maturity allowed her to enter Bridgerton with confidence, focusing on the work and forming strong connections with the cast and crew. “I’ve been able to come into Bridgerton just having a really healthy focus on the work and making great connections,” she explained. Her journey—from a young actress in a massive franchise to a grounded, seasoned performer—shows in her interviews and, likely, in her portrayal of Lady Araminta.
Why She Wouldn’t Go Back
In her conversation with Entertainment Tonight, Leung expressed gratitude for her journey but was clear in her conviction: “So glad I’m here. I would not want to go back to that time.” She wasn’t saying the experience was bad—far from it. But she values the clarity and confidence that come with age and experience. “It’s really nice when you know who you are,” she said. “And I’m still figuring that out, but I’m a bit closer.”
This closing statement speaks volumes. It’s not just about moving on from fame—it’s about growing through it. From the pressures of Harry Potter, through self-doubt and discrimination, to finding her footing in the entertainment industry, Katie Leung’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and quiet triumph.
As fans continue to celebrate the final season of Bridgerton, Leung’s journey reminds us that behind iconic roles lie real people—people who evolve, learn, and ultimately rise above the weight of early expectations. And as she looks forward, it’s clear that the best is still to come.
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