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Former Harry Potter Actor Trades Wizardry for Warfare: Gregory Goyle Star Enters Cage Fighting
Josh Herdman, recognized for his role as Gregory Goyle in the globally acclaimed Harry Potter film series, has embarked on a surprising career shift into the demanding world of mixed martial arts (MMA). The actor, who portrayed the Slytherin sidekick in all eight Harry Potter movies, is now making a name for himself as a cage fighter.
From Hogwarts to the Octagon: Herdman’s Unconventional Path
Herdman, 37, initially gained fame for playing Draco Malfoy’s loyal companion, Goyle, throughout the entire Harry Potter saga, a cinematic phenomenon that captivated audiences throughout the 2000s. Prior to landing the role of Goyle, he was considered for the part of Harry Potter’s disagreeable cousin, Dudley Dursley.
Beyond the wizarding world, Herdman also appeared in the 2018 film “Robin Hood,” alongside prominent actors like Taron Egerton, Jamie Foxx, and Jamie Dornan. However, his passion for combat sports led him down an unexpected avenue. Having trained in jiujitsu, Herdman decided to test his mettle in the challenging arena of mixed martial arts.
Embracing MMA: “Raw, Exciting, and Unpredictable”
In a 2016 interview with Addicted MMA On the Road, Herdman articulated his enthusiasm for his new career direction: “I chose MMA because I love the sport. It’s raw, exciting and unpredictable,” he stated, as reported by BBC News.
The former Harry Potter actor, famed for his role as Gregory Goyle, has transitioned to a career as a cage fighter.
Josh Herdman, 37, played Goyle in all eight Harry Potter films, a series that became a global phenomenon during the 2000s.
He further explained his preference for MMA over traditional boxing, saying, “I find it more interesting than boxing although I appreciate the beauty and art in boxing. It also made sense to move onto MMA because of my jiujitsu training.”
Looking to the future in his fighting career, Herdman expressed a grounded approach: “I would like a few amateur fights first to get me started and where it goes from there, who knows?”
Family and Fitness
Herdman, a father of two sons, has shared images of himself exercising with his children, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining peak physical condition.
Contrasting Paths: Fellow Slytherin’s Troubles
Herdman’s career divergence comes as another Harry Potter alumnus, who played a fellow Slytherin character, faced a different kind of transformation following a period of incarceration. Jamie Waylett, known for portraying Vincent Crabbe, another of Malfoy’s associates, experienced legal difficulties.
Waylett, like Goyle, was a member of Slytherin house and featured in six of the eight Harry Potter films spanning a decade.
However, Waylett was absent from the final two installments after being arrested in 2009 for cultivating marijuana at his residence. He subsequently pleaded guilty to charges of cannabis possession and possessing a knife.
At the age of 20, Waylett was sentenced to 120 hours of community service. In 2012, further legal troubles arose when he was arrested for involvement in the London riots of the preceding year. He was convicted on charges including ‘violent disorder, having an article with intent to destroy or damage property, and receiving stolen goods’ and received a two-year prison sentence.