Katie Leung first captured the world’s attention with her breakout role as Cho Chang in the globally beloved “Harry Potter” series—a performance that truly put Katie Leung on the map. Born in Scotland in 1987, Katie Leung comes from a rich cultural background; her parents, originally from Hong Kong and mainland China, brought with them resilience and ambition as immigrants, qualities that deeply influenced Katie Leung growing up. Thanks to their heritage, she grew up fluent not only in English but also in both Cantonese and Mandarin—skills that would later open doors in her career.
It was actually Katie Leung’s father who encouraged her to attend an open casting call for “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” back in 2005. Little did she know, this moment would be life-changing. Out of over 8,000 aspiring actors, Katie Leung landed the iconic role of Cho Chang—a character that would follow her through five more films, culminating in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” in 2011. While many might have rested on such early success, Katie Leung chose a different path.
Balancing fame with personal growth, Katie Leung pursued higher education at the University of the Arts London, where she earned a degree in photography by 2012. But just before graduating, she took a bold step into live theater, starring as the lead in Jung Chang’s powerful autobiographical play, “Wild Swans,” at the Young Vic Theatre in 2011. The experience left a profound impact on Katie Leung, reigniting her passion for storytelling and performance. So much so, that she decided to further hone her craft by enrolling at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow later that same year.
From there, Katie Leung continued building an impressive body of work across stage and screen. In 2013, she delivered a standout performance in “The World of Extreme Happiness” at the National Theatre, showcasing her depth as an actress. Then, in 2014, she captivated audiences in the BBC’s critically acclaimed dramatic mini-series “One Child,” proving her versatility beyond fantasy franchises. By 2016, Katie Leung had stepped into the world of action thrillers, sharing the screen with legends like Pierce Brosnan and Jackie Chan in “The Foreigner”—a role that further solidified Katie Leung as a dynamic and enduring presence in film.
When it comes to Katie Leung’s filmography, one standout performance definitely comes to mind—her role in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005), which remains her highest-rated movie to date. Fans and critics alike have praised her contribution to the beloved franchise, and it’s clear that Katie Leung brought a memorable presence to the screen during that time. On the other hand, looking at the lower end of the spectrum, Katie Leung appeared in The Foreigner (2017), a film that received notably less acclaim and marks the lowest rating among her movie credits. While Katie Leung has taken on various roles throughout her career, these two films represent the peaks and valleys in terms of critical reception. It’s interesting to see how Katie Leung’s journey in cinema has evolved over the years, with some projects resonating more strongly than others.