Imelda Staunton Reveals the Role She Hated Most to Play

Imelda Staunton has built a remarkable career on both stage and screen, delivering unforgettable performances that have captivated audiences for decades. Yet, among all the roles she’s taken on, there’s one that stands out for all the wrong reasons—a character she calls a “bloody monster.”

Portraying a villain is never a simple task, especially for someone known for their warmth and kindness off-camera. Still, it ’s often those very actors who manage to bring the most chilling antagonists to life, tapping into a darkness they rarely show. Staunton’s turn as Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter films is a prime example. Introduced in the fifth installment, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," and returning in "Deathly Hallows – Part 1," her performance left such a mark that many fans remember her as a central figure throughout the series.

Finding Inspiration in Real-World Figures

To shape her portrayal of Umbridge, Staunton drew inspiration from real-life political figures, most notably Margaret Thatcher. Thatcher, a former British prime minister, was known for her controversial policies and divisive leadership. Staunton saw parallels between Thatcher’s unwavering belief in her own righteousness and Umbridge’s relentless pursuit of her own twisted ideals.

In an interview with Out Magazine, Staunton explained how she and director David Yates explored the dangerous qualities of Umbridge, especially her position of authority over children.

“We had very good conversations, him and I, about the seriousness of this woman and about how dangerous she is to be in charge of children. It was the ultimate nightmare of having someone like that who is really, really interested in ethnic cleansing, which is what she’s interested in. Pure blood. It’s horrible.”

She went on to say,

“We were thinking of having to compare with terrible atrocities and Margaret Thatcher. These people who absolutely believe they are doing the right thing. So it’s not like, ‘I am evil, and I’m going to do…’, and that’s so much more frightening.”

Embodying a Character She Despised

Staunton’s approach to Umbridge was rooted in understanding the character’s motivations, even if she personally found them abhorrent. She recognized that the most terrifying villains are those who truly believe in their own cause, no matter how misguided or cruel. This commitment to authenticity made her performance all the more unsettling for viewers.

In a conversation with Entertainment Weekly, Staunton didn’t hold back her feelings about the character.

“I think she’s a bloody monster and to be played as such. I don’t need to understand what she does, but from a character point of view, she believes she’s doing the absolute best for that school. Yet again, I have embraced a completely and utterly deluded woman.”

She also highlighted the political undertones of Umbridge’s actions, saying,

“I’m not just a lady in a very nice array of pink outfits. This is madness and cruelty dressed up.”

The Lasting Impact of a Villain

Staunton’s portrayal of Umbridge remains one of the most memorable in the Harry Potter franchise, precisely because she was able to tap into the character’s chilling sense of purpose. Even though she can’t relate to Umbridge’s worldview, Staunton’s dedication to the role ensured that audiences would never forget the pink-clad villain who brought a new level of menace to the wizarding world.