The ‘unnatural’ reality of HBO’s Harry Potter fame – and how Dominic McLaughlin can protect himself
If the global reaction to HBO’s new Harry Potter series’ trailer is anything to go by, child actor Dominic McLaughlin is about to experience an onslaught of public attention as he is thrust into the limelight ahead of the highly anticipated release. Mirroring Daniel Radcliffe’s career, who was also 12 years old when the Harry Potter movie franchise made its debut in 2001, the Scottish pre-teen and his family are about to watch their lives change forever when the series hits the airwaves on Christmas Day. Unlike the original Harry, Hermione, and Ron, Dominic has already wet his acting feet, appearing in the Sky comedy film Grow with Nick Frost (who plays Rubeus Hagrid in the new show), the BBC adventure series Gifted, and in an on-stage production of Macbeth in Edinburgh. However, while he is no stranger to a TV set, nothing will compare to the magnitude of the Harry Potter universe and its global appeal. HELLO! asked a psychologist how the budding actor can mentally and emotionally prepare for his inevitable fame as …




