From Sweet Teacher To Spy: Where Are The Actresses Who Played Miss Honey Now?
The character of Miss Jennifer Honey is one of the most beloved figures in children's literature, a beacon of kindness and hope against the tyranny of Miss Trunchbull. The role has been brought to life by two phenomenal actresses across two major film adaptations: Embeth Davidtz in the classic 1996 film and Lashana Lynch in the 2022 Netflix musical. As of today, December 24, 2025, the careers of both women have taken fascinating and surprising new directions, moving far beyond the quaint schoolhouse of Crunchem Hall to include major spy franchises, directorial debuts, and blockbuster action roles. This is the latest update on what the two Miss Honey actresses are doing now, their full biographies, and their most current projects.
The shared legacy of the role connects two stars from different generations, both of whom have carved out impressive careers in Hollywood. While one is now a fixture in the Marvel and Bond universes, the other has recently stepped behind the camera to become a film director. Their journeys prove that the gentle spirit of Miss Honey is only one facet of their incredible talent.
The New Miss Honey: Lashana Lynch’s Full Profile and Spy Thriller Role
Lashana Lynch, who portrayed Miss Honey in the 2022 musical adaptation, is currently one of the most in-demand actresses in Hollywood, with a career that has exploded into major action and franchise roles. Her portrayal of the kind-hearted teacher showcased her incredible range, transitioning seamlessly from a gentle musical performance to her high-octane roles in major franchises.
Lashana Lynch: Biography Profile
- Full Name: Lashana Rasheda Lynch
- Date of Birth: November 27, 1987
- Birth Place: London, England, United Kingdom
- Nationality: British
- Ethnicity/Heritage: Jamaican heritage (raised by her grandmother, who immigrated from Jamaica)
- Profession: Actress, Soundtrack, Producer
- Education: Graduated from the Arts Educational School (ArtsEd) in London
- Major Roles: Miss Honey (*Matilda the Musical*, 2022), Nomi (*No Time to Die*, 2021), Maria Rambeau/Captain Marvel variant (*Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness*, 2022), Izogie (*The Woman King*, 2022)
- Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $10 million
From Crunchem Hall to the MCU and 007
Lynch's career trajectory post-*Matilda* has been nothing short of meteoric, firmly establishing her as a global action star. After her breakout role as the 00-agent Nomi in the James Bond film *No Time to Die* (2021), she cemented her status by appearing in two major 2022 hits: the critically acclaimed historical epic *The Woman King* and the Marvel film *Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness*, where she played a variant of Captain Marvel.
Her most current and highly anticipated project, setting her up for a major 2024/2025, is the television series adaptation of the classic thriller, *The Day of the Jackal*.
In this new series, Lashana Lynch stars as Bianca, a British intelligence officer locked in a cat-and-mouse game with the titular assassin, played by Eddie Redmayne. This role showcases her ability to take on complex, high-stakes characters, far removed from the gentle school teacher she is known for. The series is a major new venture, highlighting her versatility and star power.
The Original Miss Honey: Embeth Davidtz’s Surprising New Career Move
Embeth Davidtz, who brought the original, soft-spoken Miss Honey to life in the beloved 1996 film, has maintained a steady and respected acting career for decades. However, her most recent work reveals a surprising and exciting shift in her professional focus: she is moving behind the camera as a director and screenwriter.
Davidtz is a South African-American actress whose iconic performance as Miss Honey remains a nostalgic favorite for a generation of movie-goers. Before *Matilda*, she was already known for powerful roles in films like *Schindler's List* and later appeared in the *Amazing Spider-Man* franchise and the TV series *Mad Men* and *Californication*.
Directorial Debut and Recent Thriller Roles
While Davidtz continues to act, her most fresh and unique project is her directorial debut, the film *Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight*. This 2024 film is an adaptation of Alexandra Fuller's best-selling memoir of the same name, which chronicles a childhood spent on a farm in war-torn Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).
In this project, Davidtz is not only directing but also serving as a producer, screenwriter, and actor. This move represents a significant evolution in her career, demonstrating a desire to tell stories from a new perspective and take on creative control.
In addition to her directorial work, her recent acting credits include the 2023 thriller *Retribution*, where she played the role of Heather Turner. She also had a memorable role in M. Night Shyamalan's 2021 film *Old*. These roles show her continued presence in high-profile Hollywood productions, often in intense, dramatic roles that contrast sharply with the gentle Miss Honey.
Miss Honey’s Enduring Legacy and Impact
The character of Miss Honey, in both her cinematic forms, serves as a powerful entity representing the importance of a supportive, loving teacher. Roald Dahl’s original concept of Miss Honey—gentle, kind, and always ready to see the good in a child—has resonated with audiences for decades.
The casting of both Embeth Davidtz and Lashana Lynch was pivotal to the success of their respective films. Davidtz’s performance anchored the 1996 movie with a quiet, classical sweetness, embodying the character's vulnerability and strength. Lynch’s 2022 portrayal, meanwhile, brought a vibrant, modern energy to the role, inspiring a new generation of viewers while tackling the musical's demanding vocal and emotional range.
The professional paths of these two talented women—one becoming a director and the other an international action star—mirror the transformative power of their shared character. They have both proven that the heart of Miss Honey is capable of great things, whether facing down the fearsome Miss Trunchbull or taking on the biggest, most challenging roles in the film industry today.
Detail Author:
- Name : Ellen Legros
- Username : fspinka
- Email : eden09@white.net
- Birthdate : 1970-02-18
- Address : 563 Milton Loaf Lake Gudrun, NV 59935-5826
- Phone : 636.680.6456
- Company : Kling, Konopelski and Romaguera
- Job : Silversmith
- Bio : Sed non aperiam quas recusandae veritatis. At repudiandae fugiat a totam officia dolores. Numquam omnis occaecati ut quidem et excepturi quos. Aliquid ut et enim libero et id.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/augustus9189
- username : augustus9189
- bio : Est dolor quas libero laudantium ut. Tenetur qui provident in.
- followers : 3721
- following : 1755
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@strosin1975
- username : strosin1975
- bio : Sit sequi doloribus qui. Doloremque iste accusamus perferendis.
- followers : 5759
- following : 2451
