Rupert Grint, who played the beloved character of Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter film series, has had his fair share of health issues during his time on set. One of the most memorable incidents occurred during the filming of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone when Grint was struck down with a severe case of tonsillitis.
In this article, we will explore the details of Rupert Grint’s experience with tonsillitis during the filming of Harry Potter, its impact on the production, and how Grint managed to push through the pain to deliver his performance.

Stephanie Giang-Paunon/ Fox News | Grint rose to fame for his role as Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter film series
What is Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is common when the tonsils, located at the back of the throat, become inflamed and swollen. It is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection and can cause symptoms such as sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing, and swollen glands in the neck.
Tonsillitis can be treated with rest, pain relief medication, and antibiotics if the infection is bacterial. In severe cases, a tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils) may be necessary.
Rupert Grint’s Experience
During the filming of Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire, Rupert Grint began to feel unwell. He had a sore throat and struggled to speak, making it difficult to deliver his lines.
As the days went on, Grint’s condition worsened. He was diagnosed with tonsillitis and prescribed antibiotics, but the medication did little to alleviate his symptoms. The pain in his throat became so intense that he could not eat or drink and lost significant weight.
Despite his illness, Grint was determined to continue filming. He knew that the production schedule was tight and that his absence would cause delays and potentially affect the final product.

Warner Media/ HBO Max | Rupert was cast as Ron at age 11
Grint’s co-star, Emma Watson, has spoken publicly about how impressed she was by his dedication and professionalism during this difficult time. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Watson recalled how Grint would push himself to deliver his lines, even when he was clearly in pain.
Impact on Production
Grint’s illness significantly impacted the production of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The tight schedule meant little room for delays, and Grint’s absence would have caused a major disruption. The filmmakers adjusted the shooting schedule and filmed scenes to accommodate Grint’s condition.
Despite these challenges, the filmmakers completed the film on time and delivered a final product that both critics and audiences received well.
How Grint Managed to Push Through
Grint’s ability to push through the pain and continue filming was a testament to his dedication and professionalism. In interviews, he has spoken about how difficult it was to work while feeling so unwell and how important it was for him to deliver a good performance.

Kristina Bumphrey/ Getty Images | Rupert Grint’s total net worth is around $60 Million
To manage his symptoms, Grint relied on pain relief medication and took breaks when he needed to rest his voice. He also received support from his co-stars and the production team, who worked around his condition to ensure he could continue filming.
In the years since his tonsillitis experience, Grint has prioritized his health and well-being. He has spoken publicly about the importance of taking breaks and seeking help and advocated for mental health awareness.