(Photo: Getty Images)

Rupert Grint returns this week in Knock at the Cabin, a new psychological thriller movie from shock maestro M. Night Shyamalan. It's another dark role for the actor, who made his name playing Ron Weasley in Harry Potter, but has since branched out with roles in horror series Servant, black comedy show Sick Note, and a particularly spooky episode of Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities. So, let's take the opportunity to find out more about this surprising and slightly quirky performer.

1. He was suffering from tonsilitis for many of his Harry Potter years.

The inflammation began when Grint was shooting Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in 2004, but he didn't have his tonsils removed until after the final film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, in 2010. "While I was filming, there was never any time to get them out," he told GQ. "From Goblet to the end of the franchise, I was just ill. My tonsils were absolutely massive."

Describing his swollen tonsils as a "metaphor" for the way his life snowballed during this period, Grint added: "As soon as I finished my work, I got them removed. It was one of the best decisions I ever made."

2. He is in a long-term relationship with fellow actor Georgia Groome.

You may know Groome from the 2008 teen comedy movie Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging, in which she starred opposite Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Grint and Groome have been together since 2011, and have a daughter, Wednesday, who was born in 2020.

3. His daughter is obsessed with Target.

Yes, as in the department store. Grint explains why in this interview, and reveals that he even built her a mini-Target checkout to play with. It really is the cutest toy, as you can see here.

4. He used to be into beekeeping, but now has a "huge fear" of the stinging insects.

Grint told GQ that he developed apiphobia – an intense phobia of bees – after a swarm of them flew into his car on the freeway. "I've never been stung, but the thought of this animal stabbing me is so disturbing. I dream about them," he admitted.

5. He has carried the Olympic Torch.

Yes, really! Ahead of the London 2012 Summer Olympics, Grint safely delivered the torch through Hendon in North London. Other famous Brits who carried the torch during its trip across the U.K. included Patrick Stewart, Jennifer Saunders, and James McAvoy.

6. When he started making money, he bought his own ice cream truck.

Specifically, a 1974 Bedford van that actually dispenses Mr. Whippy soft serve ice cream. "My first ambition was to become an ice cream man, which is why I bought the Bedford van," he told the Daily Mail. "Not long after I first got it, I pulled into a pub to do a U-turn and there were eight kids with their pocket money out, hoping to buy a 99 [ice cream] or whatever. But I had nothing to give them. I’ve learned my lesson since then. I keep my van well stocked."

7. He broke a world record when he joined Instagram in November 2020.

According to Guinness World Records, Grint raced to a million followers in just 241 minutes, beating Sir David Attenborough's previous record of 284 minutes. If you don't already, you can give him a follow at @rupertgrint. 

(Photo: Instagram / @rupertgrint)

8. He believes the line between Rupert Grint and Ron Weasley has kind of blurred.

Grint told The Times last year that he can't help but "measure my life in Harry Potter movies" because they are "so ingrained" in him. "I find it very hard to detach myself from being Ron – we merged into the same person," he added. "I can’t believe it started 20 years ago. It definitely sculpted who I am. I mentally closed the door on it even though I’m constantly faced with it – there’s the play, the theme park and it’s always on TV."

9. He got through lockdown by making clay vases.

Grint didn't get into ordinary pottery, though, but miniature pottery – he's definitely a fan of a quirky hobby. "It's like a tiny potter's wheel, but you just use your fingertips and spin clay," he told Glamour. "I’ve made tiny vases. I got obsessed. It’s the most therapeutic thing, but they’re completely useless. Pottery has always been something I’ve liked the look of – spinning on a wheel. On a miniature scale, it’s even better. It’s very delicate, very precise movements of the finger. I recommend it."

10. He once drew an unflattering doodle of his Harry Potter co-star Alan Rickman.

Rickman caught Grint in the act and, being the legend that he was, made the young actor sign his handiwork. Thankfully, they both saw the funny side of this potentially awkward incident, as you'll see in the video below.

Do you have a favorite Rupert Grint role outside of Harry Potter?