Shirley Henderson, born on 24 November 1965, is a highly respected Scottish actress whose distinctive voice and versatile performances have made her a standout figure in British film, television, and theatre. She is perhaps best known to international audiences for her portrayal of the perpetually weeping ghost Moaning Myrtle in the Harry Potter film series, appearing in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, as well as for her roles as Gail in Trainspotting and its sequel, and as Jude in the beloved Bridget Jones film franchise. Henderson’s career, spanning over three decades, is marked by a remarkable range, from gritty dramas to period pieces and acclaimed stage musicals, earning her a prestigious Olivier Award and multiple BAFTA nominations.

Henderson was born and raised in Kincardine, Fife, Scotland, and developed an early passion for acting. She attended the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, graduating in 1986 before beginning her professional career on stage. Her early television work included a notable role in the BBC series Hamish Macbeth from 1995 to 1997, where she played Isobel Sutherland, establishing her as a familiar face on British television. Her film breakthrough came in 1996 when she was cast as Gail, the friend of Ewan McGregor's character, in Danny Boyle's iconic Trainspotting, a role she would reprise over two decades later in the 2017 sequel T2 Trainspotting.

The early 2000s saw Henderson’s career flourish with a series of high-profile and critically acclaimed roles. She played Jude in the romantic comedy Bridget Jones's Diary and its subsequent sequels, and she took on the iconic role of Moaning Myrtle in the Harry Potter films. Henderson also delivered a powerful performance in the dark comedy Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself and appeared in Jim Sheridan's Intermission. She further demonstrated her dramatic range in the harrowing Frozen, and took on the role of a lady-in-waiting in Sofia Coppola's lavish historical drama Marie Antoinette. On television, she earned acclaim for her performance in the ITV film Dirty Filthy Love and starred as Frances Drummond in the second season of the hit BBC crime drama Happy Valley.

Henderson continued to build an impressive filmography in the 2010s, appearing in Joe Wright's adaptation of Anna Karenina, the dark comedy Filth alongside James McAvoy, and the Channel 4 miniseries Southcliffe. She also portrayed the wife of Stan Laurel in the biographical comedy-drama Stan & Ollie. Her most significant career milestone came in 2018 when she won the Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her breathtaking performance as Elizabeth in the original Old Vic production of Girl from the North Country, a musical featuring the songs of Bob Dylan. The role showcased her formidable singing talents and brought her widespread theatrical acclaim. Henderson’s enduring presence in the industry, marked by two Scottish BAFTA Awards and numerous other nominations, solidifies her status as one of Scotland’s most talented and beloved actresses.