Can a “Fluffy Suit of Armor” Really Be More Dangerous than Lord Voldemort?
She might be a pink-wearing, tea-drinking, cat-loving witch, but Harry Potter fans know the disturbing truth about Professor Dolores Jane Umbridge. That she is truly evil. So evil in fact that Imelda Staunton herself, who portrayed Professor Umbridge – arguably the most hated character in the Potter series – displays nothing but the utmost contempt for her.
“I think she’s a bloody monster!” is the simple statement by Staunton that resonates with everyone who jumped for joy and sighed in relief when Umbridge finally got what she desperately deserved – a one-way trip to Azkaban!
Entertainment Weekly’s new Binge podcast series has been focusing on Harry Potter. The show has already had guests Hugh Mitchell, who played Colin Creevey, MinaLima, designer of the iconic Marauder’s Map, and Harry Potter costume designer Jany Temime. Now, it’s Imelda Staunton’s turn to talk about her Harry Potter experience!
Staunton admitted that Umbridge did make a deceptive impression as a “silly, kind woman” who emphasized the importance of examinations but on a more dangerous note, acted on willful ignorance and weakness to abuse her power to the maximum extent. Long story short… Dolores Umbridge, with her “fluffy suit of armor,” is most likely one of the only characters in the Potter universe to elicit more fear and hatred than You-Know-Who himself. And that is frightening.
Despite the similarity in physical appearance, Staunton is understandably nothing like her character. As a mother herself, she cannot fathom the horror of Umbridge’s cruel punishment that Harry Potter must not tell lies. As a professor, Umbridge clearly has no time for those who challenge her authority and oppose her (cough Harry and friends). Yet it is heart-warming that Staunton and Daniel Radcliffe’s wonderfully pleasant relationship goes back to a time before Potter when they both took part in David Copperfield alongside the phenomenal Dame Maggie Smith.
Full of gratitude, Staunton reflects on the legacy of the Potter series as something truly unforgettable. From the vast array of incredible characters to the intricate plot lines, Staunton emphasizes the most beautiful lesson above all in the series – that “good does conquer” and “goodness has strength.”
To find out more about Staunton’s feelings on Dolores Umbridge and how she held up playing such an evil character, tune in to the full episode of EW’s Binge here.
Do you think Umbridge’s “fluffy suit of armor” is more dangerous than You-Know-Who and his Death Eaters? Sound off in the comments below!