Weasley is Our King! Ron Turns 37

If you were to poll the fandom on their favorite Potter character, what percentage do you think would cast their votes for Ron Weasley?

Happy Birthday to #RonWeasley, played by @paulfthornley in #CursedChild. pic.twitter.com/vrcSS63L9b

— Harry Potter Play (@HPPlayLDN) March 1, 2017

Ron is the loyal best friend, the quintessential sidekick, the wingman extraordinaire, the comedian of the common room AND he gets the girl! Who among us doesn’t wish they had a bestie just like him? He is certainly a hero in his own right.

On the 37th birthday of Ronald Bilius Weasley, played by the one and only Rupert Grint in the films and now masterfully by Paul Thornley as adult Ron in Harry and the Cursed Child, let’s take a moment to refresh our memories and look at a few reasons he is so well-loved. Really now, what would the series be without him?

Pottermore has compiled a few reminders:

Firstly, he makes us laugh: 

‘Accio brain!’

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

He has a hilarious view of the Muggle world: 

From being bewildered by ‘felly-tones’ and referring to the non-magical community as ‘those Muggle nutters’, it’s interesting to note that by the end of the story Ron has two Muggles as parents-in-law.

He does listen to Hermione: 

‘Yeah, well, food’s one of the five exceptions to Gamp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration,’ said Ron, to general astonishment.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

He’s totally not bothered by Blood Status:

A true Weasley, Ron couldn’t give a stuff whether he’s half-blood or half-anything else. In fact, he merrily calls his family ‘blood traitors’.

He recognises his failings and – crucially — atones for them:

He – well,’ Ron’s ears turned bright red and he became engrossed in a tuft of grass at his feet, which he prodded with his toe, ‘he must’ve known I’d run out on you.’ ‘No,’ Harry corrected him. ‘He must’ve known you’d always want to come back.’

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

His inner struggle, as Dumbledore explains, is revealed by the Mirror of Erised:

The usually-cheeky Ron’s true insecurities about the achievements of his siblings is revealed when he looks into the one place that shows your heart’s desires – and sees himself, a success, and standing alone.

He’s brilliant at cursing (the kind that makes Molly mad, not just hexes):

‘And what in the name of Merlin’s most baggy Y Fronts was that about?’

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

After seven books, he finally says the thing that makes Hermione want to kiss him:

Took him long enough.

He’s nice about house elves:

As everyone should be!

Ron’s birthday wouldn’t be complete without a viewing of one of his most hilarious film scenes; here’s to Great Aunt Tessie! 

Let us know your most memorable Ron moment and Happy Birthday to him–long live the King!