Who is Ron Weasley?

Harry Potter fans must bid ado to their favorite heroic wizard with the release of the Deathly Hollows movies. As iconic heroes go, the characters of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley represent a wholesome group of kids bonded by their magical talents and a common enemy. But who are these kids, really?

As the Harry Potter series comes to an end, what becomes of the actors who portrayed these characters? Will they remain the wholesome trio or can they break the stereotypical "good guys" and allow the creative juices to flow? Daniel Radcliffe has already broke the mold with his Broadway roles and voice-overs-Radcliffe did a stint for The Simpson's Halloween special. Emma Watson showed a sexier side when she posed for Russia's Elle magazine. But what about Rupert Grint, aka Ron Weasley?

Hailing from Hertfordshire, England, UK, Rupert Alexander Grint made his film-star debut as the best mate of fellow wizard, Harry Potter. Since the release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Grint has changed with the times. Rupert took his charming good looks and comedic energy back to the screen in the movie Wild Target. Grint plays sidekick to a hit man and even winds up naked in a bathtub full of milk. Surprised? You shouldn't be.

In 2009, Grint had one of the lead roles in Cherry Bomb, along side Robert Sheehan and Kimberley Nixon, in which three teens choose a wild weekend lifestyle that spirals out of control. Not the funny, shy and sometimes sheltered Ron Weasley we all know and love.

Movie fans watched these three actors grow up on the screen for 10 years. It should not come as any surprise they have done so in real life.

So do child actors need to be forgotten when they outgrow their cutesy smiles and squeaky voices? Obviously not. Radcliffe, Watson and Grint proved that point. Or did they? A job is a job and the longer you work, the more experience you gain. Therefore, it only stands to reason a long-term employee will grow more skilled at his craft. The same can be said of acting. Granted, no write-ups for parts failing inspection...oh, wait, that's the movie critic's department. Breaking company rules won't get you fired or fined, but you could end up on the cutting room floor. And if the the consumer doesn't like your product, the film industry won't close it's doors for lack of sales. Although you may find it hard to convince another director to hire you for any significant roles.

In the future, as movie- and theater-goers watch Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint become more diversified in their acting skills and break out of the wizardly molds, don't demand these young actors return for one last Potter film. Remember, Hogwarts has an entirely new group of first years that need sorting.