Table of Contents
Kit Harington is an English actor best known for playing Jon Snow in HBO’s Game of Thrones. His performance made him an international star and earned him multiple major award nominations. He has since appeared in films, television dramas and stage productions, including Marvel’s Eternals and HBO’s Industry.
Harington is now trending for a major new role. On August 24, 2026, it was announced that he will play Gilderoy Lockhart in Season 2 of HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series, replacing Nicholas Hoult. The casting is particularly notable because Harington previously voiced Lockhart in the official Harry Potter full-cast audiobook adaptation.
Kit Harington Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Christopher Catesby Harington |
| Date of Birth | December 26, 1986 |
| Age | 39 |
| Birthplace | London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Actor |
| Best Known For | Jon Snow in Game of Thrones |
| Wife | Rose Leslie |
| Children | Two |
| Education | Royal Central School of Speech and Drama |
| Height | About 5 feet 8 inches |
| Upcoming Role | Gilderoy Lockhart in Harry Potter |
Who Is Kit Harington?
Kit Harington is an English actor whose breakthrough came when he was cast as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones.
The role transformed him from a young theatre actor into one of the most recognizable performers on television. Harington appeared throughout the show’s eight-season run from 2011 to 2019.
His portrayal of Jon Snow earned him two Primetime Emmy nominations, including a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
Although Game of Thrones remains his defining role, Harington has continued building his career across film, television and theatre.
Kit Harington Age and Early Life
Kit Harington was born on December 26, 1986, in London, England. He is 39 years old as of August 2026.
His full name is Christopher Catesby Harington. He comes from a family with notable historical connections, including an ancestor associated with the Gunpowder Plot.
Harington initially considered becoming a journalist but eventually pursued acting. He studied at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London.
Before becoming a television star, he gained professional experience on the stage.
Kit Harington’s Career
Harington made his professional stage debut as Albert Narracott in the West End production of War Horse. The production earned major critical recognition and helped establish him as a promising young actor.
His breakthrough came in 2011 when he was cast as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones. The fantasy series became a global phenomenon, and Harington’s character became one of its central figures.
After Game of Thrones, he continued working across different genres. His television credits include Criminal: UK, Modern Love, Extrapolations and Industry.
He also returned to theatre, appearing in productions including Doctor Faustus, True West, Henry V and Slave Play.
Kit Harington Movies
Harington has appeared in several major films.
His movie credits include Silent Hill: Revelation, Pompeii, Testament of Youth, The Death & Life of John F. Donovan and Marvel’s Eternals.
He also voiced Eret in the How to Train Your Dragon animated films.
In Eternals, Harington played Dane Whitman, a character connected to Marvel’s Black Knight mythology.
His film career has not reached the same level of recognition as Game of Thrones, but it has allowed him to take on a wider variety of characters.
Kit Harington TV Shows
Harington’s television career is dominated by Game of Thrones, where he played Jon Snow for eight seasons.
He later appeared in the Netflix series Criminal: UK and Amazon’s Modern Love. He also starred as Nicholas Bilton in Apple’s Extrapolations.
More recently, Harington joined the cast of HBO’s Industry, playing Henry Muck, a wealthy businessman and CEO of an energy company. His performance has received strong critical attention.
He is also set to star as Sydney Carton in the upcoming A Tale of Two Cities adaptation, scheduled to premiere on MGM+ in September 2026.
Kit Harington Wife: Who Is Rose Leslie?
Kit Harington is married to Scottish actress Rose Leslie.
The couple met while working together on Game of Thrones. Leslie played Ygritte, the wildling woman who became romantically involved with Harington’s Jon Snow.
Their on-screen relationship eventually developed into a real-life romance. Harington and Leslie announced their engagement in 2017 and married in Scotland on June 23, 2018.
Their relationship remains one of the best-known real-life romances to emerge from the Game of Thrones cast.
Does Kit Harington Have Children?
Yes. Kit Harington and Rose Leslie have two children.
The couple welcomed their first child, a son, in 2021. They later welcomed a daughter in 2023.
Harington and Leslie have generally kept their children’s identities and private lives away from the spotlight.
Kit Harington Harry Potter News
The biggest recent development in Harington’s career is his casting in HBO’s new Harry Potter television series.
On August 24, 2026, HBO announced that Harington would play Gilderoy Lockhart in the show’s second season. He replaces Nicholas Hoult, who left the role because of scheduling conflicts.
Lockhart is introduced in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. In the story, he becomes Hogwarts’ new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor.
The character is famous for his flamboyant personality, celebrity status and exaggerated claims about his heroic achievements.
The casting creates an interesting connection for Harington because he already voiced Lockhart in the official Harry Potter full-cast audiobook released in 2025. He will now portray the character in live action.
Harington’s casting also comes shortly before HBO’s Harry Potter series begins. The first season is scheduled to premiere on HBO Max on December 25, 2026, with Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.
For fans, the move means Harington is returning to another major fantasy franchise after becoming famous through Game of Thrones.
Read More: Who Is Jed York? Biography, Age, Wife, Family, Business and 49ers Career
What Is Kit Harington Doing Now?
Harington continues to work in television, film and theatre.
In addition to his new Harry Potter role, he is appearing in Industry and is set to star in A Tale of Two Cities. His career has therefore moved well beyond the Jon Snow character that made him famous.
The Gilderoy Lockhart casting is particularly significant because it reunites Harington with HBO and places him in another major fantasy franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kit Harington
How old is Kit Harington?
Kit Harington was born on December 26, 1986, making him 39 years old in August 2026.
Who is Kit Harington’s wife?
Kit Harington is married to actress Rose Leslie, his former Game of Thrones co-star.
How many children does Kit Harington have?
Kit Harington and Rose Leslie have two children, a son and a daughter.
What is Kit Harington famous for?
He is best known for playing Jon Snow in HBO’s Game of Thrones.
Is Kit Harington in Harry Potter?
Yes. Harington has been cast as Gilderoy Lockhart in Season 2 of HBO’s Harry Potter series.
Why is Kit Harington replacing Nicholas Hoult?
Nicholas Hoult left the role of Gilderoy Lockhart because of scheduling conflicts. Harington was subsequently cast as his replacement.
What Harry Potter character does Kit Harington play?
Harington plays Gilderoy Lockhart, the charismatic but highly self-promoting Defence Against the Dark Arts professor introduced in The Chamber of Secrets.
What movies has Kit Harington been in?
His movie credits include Pompeii, Silent Hill: Revelation, Testament of Youth, Eternals and the How to Train Your Dragon films.
Conclusion
Kit Harington built his international reputation as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, but his career has continued to evolve through movies, television and theatre. His marriage to Rose Leslie and their two children have also made his personal life a regular subject of public interest.
Now, Harington is entering another major fantasy franchise. His casting as Gilderoy Lockhart in HBO’s Harry Potter series is one of the biggest developments in his career since Game of Thrones. With his experience playing complex fantasy characters, his return to HBO and his previous connection to the Lockhart character through the audiobook, the new role has generated significant interest among fans.
