Harry Potter Star Jessie Cave Reveals 'Embarrassing' Money Struggles Behind OnlyFans Move

Jessie Cave has revealed she turned to OnlyFans after reaching what she described as a point of 'complete desperation', despite her role in the hugely successful Harry Potter franchise. The actress said inconsistent acting work, debt and the cost of childcare for her four children left her struggling financially.

Cave, 39, who played Lavender Brown in the final three Harry Potter films, discussed the decision on ITV's This Morning. She said she felt 'embarrassing' about joining the platform because she would have preferred to get a conventional job, but the costs involved in childcare made that difficult.

Jessie Cave Says OnlyFans Was an 'Embarrassing' Choice

Cave said people often assume she is wealthy because of her Harry Potter connection, but said that was not her reality.

'People just assume I'm rich and I have loads of money, and no I don't', she said, explaining that she had only a 'small-ish part' in the franchise and that the films were made around 20 years ago.

The actress said the situation became particularly difficult while raising four children with comedian Alfie Brown. She said childcare was expensive and made taking a conventional job difficult while she continued trying to work in the arts.

Cave has described herself as a 'struggling artist', with much of her work involving comedy, acting and one-woman shows with puppets.

Harry Potter Fame Did Not Guarantee Financial Security

Cave's role as Lavender Brown brought her international recognition, but she has said it did not translate into the long-term financial security that some people might expect.

After another acting setback, Cave said she reached a breaking point and felt she had to find another way to make money. She initially saw OnlyFans as a temporary solution, rather than a new career.

'I thought I'd make five grand, be on it for a few months and it would buy me time to work out what we're going to do', she said.

Instead, the platform became considerably more lucrative than she anticipated.

Jessie Cave Made £15,000 in One Day

Cave launched her OnlyFans account in March 2025, offering non-explicit content centred on her long hair rather than conventional adult material. Her videos include brushing and styling her hair, with the content aimed at subscribers interested in hair.

The financial results quickly exceeded her expectations. Cave has revealed that she made £15,000 ($20,465) in a single day on the platform. She also said that within one year, she had earned more from OnlyFans than during her entire acting career.

The account charges subscribers around $6 (£4.50) a month, while Cave can also make money from additional paid messages.

Cave has described the income as a major lifeline during a period when she was struggling to support her family. She has also said the platform has helped her continue working as an artist rather than abandoning her creative career.

OnlyFans Move Came With a Harry Potter Setback

The decision has not been without consequences. Cave has said her OnlyFans presence led to her being excluded from a Harry Potter convention opportunity because organisers associated the platform with explicit content.

Cave has disputed that perception, noting that her own account focuses on hair content rather than pornography.

Cave continues to work in the arts while maintaining her OnlyFans account. She has also spoken about the impact the platform has had on her confidence and financial circumstances.