Ralph Fiennes openly expressed his strong aversion during his time working on the Harry Potter franchise, particularly in his challenging role as Lord Voldemort. His candid remarks shed light on the difficulties he faced while bringing the character to life.
Stepping into the magical world of Harry Potter, Ralph Fiennes assumed the formidable character of Lord Voldemort in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." The actor's portrayal of the iconic antagonist garnered attention from critics and fans alike.
It seems almost obligatory for distinguished British actors to make an appearance in the Harry Potter films, and Fiennes was no exception. However, he embraced one of the darkest and most demanding roles within the series. This presented a unique challenge because he had to embody the quintessential force of evil, even as his own innate handsomeness clashed with the character's malevolent appearance.
Fiennes' primary grievance during his time on the set revolved around the extensive makeup process. In a candid conversation with Vanity Fair, he confessed his strong aversion to the makeup chair, going as far as to say that he would go to great lengths to avoid it. He humorously stated, "I hate makeup! I hate being in the makeup chair. I would hardly make a movie to avoid being in the makeup chair. Oh God, I hate it! I don't know why I've developed a makeup pathology." For him, the close proximity of makeup artists wielding brushes, sponges, and scissors was nothing short of a nightmare.
While Fiennes has occasionally undergone transformations for other roles, such as altering his hair and facial hair, the experience of donning Voldemort's makeup was on another level. The repetitive application of the character's distinctive look left him longing for an extended break. He humorously quipped that, thanks to his stint in the Harry Potter saga, he deserved a lifelong respite from makeup-related ordeals.
In the Harry Potter films, Fiennes, often pronounced as "Raif Fines," masterfully embodied Lord Voldemort in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 and Part 2." Voldemort, characterized by his lack of a nose due to his dark sorcery pursuits, is a unique and eerie figure in the series. Fiennes' initial hesitation about accepting the role was quickly dispelled with encouragement from his family, particularly his sister, Martha.
Director Mike Newell, responsible for "Goblet of Fire," selected Fiennes for the role, considering him "the best actor of his generation." He believed Fiennes' elegance would infuse the character with a blend of strength, charisma, and subtlety.
Despite the challenges and makeup-induced nightmares, Voldemort, with his snake-like visage, has become an iconic presence in pop culture. In a surprising twist, Fiennes revealed that his portrayal occasionally frightened both cast and crew members on the Harry Potter set, recounting an incident where a script supervisor's daughter burst into tears upon seeing him in character.
