Devon Murray, the actor who portrayed Seamus Finnigan, fought depression for a decade.

Starring in the Harry Potter films must have been a dream come true for many child actors, but Devon Murray felt otherwise. He portrayed Seamus Finnigan in the movies and appeared in all eight installments while battling depression.

The actor spoke about his struggles and even admitted he contemplated s—cide at one point in his life. He said that opening up to his parents helped him overcome the dark monsters that loomed over.

Harry Potter Star Devon Murray Suffered From Depression For 10 Years

Devon Murray admitted having a fantastic life while starring in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter movies, but he also wasn’t happy. He told RTE 2fm’s Eoghan McDermott via Independent:

I remember feeling very low on my 16th birthday. I was staying in a fantastic suite in a hotel in London. I’d celebrated my birthday the day before on set. My room was full of gifts, and I should have been happy but I wasn’t.

He felt homesick after staying in the UK for a long time due to filming. One of the things that kept him down was when he was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy where one side of his face got paralyzed for six months.

I didn’t want to leave the house. I didn’t want people to see how I looked. I didn’t want them to see how I felt. I was just a mess, I didn’t know whether I was coming or going. I had let down my parents. I couldn’t do anything right.

Devon’s former agent forced him and his parents to pay €260,000 after they reportedly broke an agreement to pay commission charges. All of these problems frustrated the actor to the point that he contemplated ending life. He attempted to throw a rope over the banister and “was pretty much getting ready to hang” himself.

For a moment, he had clarity that encouraged him to talk to his parents first. “I told them everything that I’d been feeling since I was 16,” he shared. The actor regretted not opening up earlier.

Devon Murray Has Found Renewed Hope

In a Twitter post, Devon Murray responded to the reactions of fans claiming they were inspired by his story. He encouraged everyone who has been going through tough times to speak up.

Despite the struggles he faced while juggling fame and depression, Murray still believes Harry Potter was a life-changing career for him. He stated via Irish Mirror:

Harry Potter was the best thing in my life… So now I’m in a good place, I want to get back into the saddle again and get out acting and just be me again and do what I love.

He didn’t pursue any notable projects after his stint in Harry Potter, though Murray appeared in 2018’s Damo & Ivor: The Movie.

The actor has settled down with his partner and son after swapping his celebrity status for a quiet life.