James and Oliver Phelps are the talented British actors who shot to global fame playing the mischievous red-headed twins, George and Fred, in the Harry Potter films. Much like their on-screen counterparts – the pranksters and co-owners of Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes who value family above all – the brothers are just as close and fun-loving in real life. Keep reading to learn more about them on birminghamski.
From Birmingham to Hogwarts: Their Early Lives and Big Break
Born in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, in 1986, Oliver Martyn John arrived 13 minutes before his twin brother, James Andrew Eric. While they’re famously difficult to tell apart, dedicated fans have spotted a few tell-tale signs: Oliver has a small birthmark on his neck, and James has a tiny scar on his left eyebrow. Their personalities are also similar, yet distinct. Oliver is known for his infectious laugh and cheerful nature, while James is often seen as the more composed and serious of the two. Still, just like their characters, they’ve always loved playing pranks on people who can’t tell them apart, even swapping roles off-screen.
The brothers attended Little Sutton Primary School and later Arthur Terry Secondary School, though they were in different classes. Both showed a passion for acting from a young age, performing in school plays and devouring the Harry Potter books. So, when their mother, Susan Phelps, saw an open casting call for the film adaptation, she immediately encouraged them to audition. Their talent and striking resemblance to the Weasley twins didn’t go unnoticed, but it took six attempts before they were cast. At just 14 years old, Oliver landed the role of George and James became Fred, marking the beginning of a long and incredible journey through the world of Harry Potter.
Beyond Hogwarts: A Look at Their Other Acting Roles
From 2001 to 2011, Oliver and James brought their roles to life in all eight Harry Potter films. Their popularity soared, rivaling even that of the lead actor, Daniel Radcliffe. The franchise not only secured their fame but also gave them a platform for future projects and, of course, a healthy salary.
Outside of the wizarding world, the brothers appeared in two other projects in 2009. They both featured in the British TV series “Kingdom,” a legal drama about a solicitor and his family in a quirky Norfolk town. The show often included special guest stars, and in the third season, it was the Phelps twins’ turn to make an appearance. They also starred in the critically acclaimed short film “A Mind’s Eye,” based on Plato’s theory of Forms. In the film, they both play a character named Stanley but in different dimensions—one in the world of ideas and the other in our tangible world. They engage in a Socratic-style dialogue, using logical arguments to determine which of them is real. Oliver and James delivered a truly stunning performance as the two Stanleys.
James also dabbled in filmmaking, working as an assistant director on “The Da Vinci Code” in 2006 and “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” in 2009.
After the Harry Potter films concluded, the brothers continued to act. Their notable roles include a part in the British version of “King of the Nerds,” the TV drama “Danny and the Human Zoo” in 2015, and a brief appearance in “Last Night in Soho” in 2021, among others.
From Podcasting to Philanthropy: Their Other Ventures
In 2016, the twins tried their hand at podcasting with their YouTube series about their travels. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, they launched a second season called “Double Trouble,” where they opened up about their personal lives, hobbies, and friendships, often inviting celebrity guests for interviews.
In 2021, Oliver and James teamed up with Stabl Productions to launch a new podcast series, “Normal Not Normal,” which aimed to explore the true meaning of “normal” through conversations with famous guests. The show was praised for being more structured and professional than their previous podcasts.
Beyond acting and podcasting, both brothers are big sports fans, particularly of golf and football.
They both share a love for rock music and enjoy watching films. James’s favourites include “Forrest Gump” and “Happy Gilmore,” while Oliver’s is “Old School.” They also love TV shows like “The Simpsons” and “Futurama.” The twins are very active on Instagram, where each of their accounts has over two million followers.
“The Wizards Magic”: Their Own Magical Chocolate
Like their on-screen alter egos, Oliver and James have launched their own business, though it’s not a joke shop. They’ve created a unique chocolate line called “The Wizards Magic.”
What makes their chocolate so special is that it’s completely vegan and free of palm oil, which is great for the environment. The packaging is 100% recyclable, and the product itself is gluten-free with only 1% sugar, making it a healthier treat.
The chocolates come in a range of flavours: vanilla, mint, orange, and original. Each flavour is distinct to satisfy even the pickiest of palates. For instance, the “Original” chocolate has a high cocoa content and a low sugar count, giving it a rich, bittersweet taste. The vanilla flavour includes oats and buckwheat, making it a unique and rustic treat. The orange variant offers a bitter taste with a zesty citrus “explosion,” perfect for those who love a bold flavour. The mint chocolate has a subtle, refreshing flavour with a hint of bitterness. The twins wanted to create sweets with a quirky twist, hoping to remind consumers of the magical treats from their on-screen world.
The brothers are also active in charity and community work. They support causes focused on environmental protection and medical research, particularly for cancer. In 2023, James Phelps ran the London Marathon to raise awareness for endometriosis, a condition affecting one in ten women in the UK, which can lead to infertility.
In 2022, Oliver Phelps publicly condemned Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and has since participated in various initiatives to support Ukrainians. This included wearing and promoting limited edition t-shirts from boxer Oleksandr Usyk, which featured the Ukrainian coat of arms and blue and yellow boxing gloves.
The story of Oliver and James Phelps is not just about worldwide fame; it’s a testament to their enduring friendship and a constant source of inspiration for others.
