Daniel Radcliffe can’t wait to get home tonight. Not because there is a
contract to sign or a script to peruse, but because the Klaxons album should
have arrived from Amazon. This is cause for excitement in a 17-year-old
indie-punk-funk fan, no less for the Harry Potter star, with his wealth and
adoring fans, and his collection of plastic comedy ears recently sent by a
humorous Japanese contingent. He will listen to his new music in a bedroom
stuffed with piles of old NMEs that his mother, Marcia, is constantly asking
him to chuck out. This afternoon, he has been in rehearsals for his lead
role in Equus, the most wholesome of our teenage icons having chosen the
most controversial of plays as his vehicle of transformation. It has nudity,
torrid sex, mental aberration, erotic obsession with a horse and nothing in
common with the magical realm, save perhaps a passing fancy for centaurs. “A
play to change how people think,” he says reverently.
The story of a disturbed stable boy who has blinded six horses with a hoof
pick is an unresolved exploration of the parameters of normal human
behaviour, but Radcliffe’s take on his complex character is refreshingly
straightforward. “When I was 10 and I’d seen a Bond film, I’d go home and
act out the characters,” he says in his well-modulated tones (no teenage
mockney, thank goodness). “Alan is doing that; he fantasises about becoming
a centaur.”
Young Dan has grown up. On a year out from the Potter schedule — the fifth
film, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, is released in July, and he
has signed up for the final two after that — he has chosen to diversify
before he is eternally imprisoned in Hogwarts in the minds of an audience
that is maturing with him. “Better sooner than later. To some people, I will
only ever be Harry. I know that, I don’t fight it. I don’t want to distance
myself from him. I’m proud of that work. But I do want to show them that I
am not Harry Potter. I am an actor.”
Equus is Radcliffe’s first stage work, apart from a guest appearance in The
Play What I Wrote (and before that as a monkey in leggings at infant
school). He seems unfazed by the popular press’s scrutiny of his toned
physique and sprouting body hair, and simply asked his Potter co-star and
friend (and, truth be told, idol) Gary Oldman for advice on being naked on
stage. “He said the first night is terrifying, the second is pretty scary,
and after that you don’t care. When you do it in a cold room and you are
nervous, everything goes a bit shy down there, but I have been assured it
will be nice and warm on the night. We have done the nudity scene twice with
our clothes off, and my acting improved so much. It’s hard to show that
vulnerability you need for nakedness with your clothes on. Now I get them
off at the drop of a hat.”
This may be Radcliffe’s moment to grow up, but as he springs into a room at a
hotel near his Fulham home, his piercing blue eyes burning a path before
him, he seems vibrantly, impossibly young, a boy teetering on the edge of
grown-up life, all bum fluff and occasional zits and no-girlfriend crises.
Casual in his rehearsal jeans and jumper, he asks for a Coke and jumps up to
silence the offensive background music; the only clue to his status is a
gentle giant of a minder called Jason, his driver for the duration of the
Equus production, just in case he gets “a few lunatic fans on the street”.
Seven years ago, he was offered the chance to sign up for seven Potter
pictures, all to be shot in Los Angeles, and his horrified parents turned
the offer down flat, while 10-year-old Dan knew nothing about it. It was
only after a chance meeting with the films’ producer at the theatre, and a
revised offer of signing for two movies, both to be made in the UK, that
they cautiously relented. His father, Alan, a literary agent, gave up his
job to act as chaperone; scripts are read and decided on en famille (his
mother is a casting director). There is no sign of imminent separation, nor
the longing for autonomy that usually propels young men of his age towards a
place of their own. It is as if his life as Potter has bound him closer to
his parents, his anchors and protectors, just as other teenagers are pulling
away.
He acted very little as a young child: miserable at Sussex House prep school,
in Chelsea, he was put up for a role in the 1999 BBC adaptation of David
Copperfield by his mother, in a bid to boost his confidence — “and do
something other kids wouldn’t have done” — and won the role of young David
opposite Bob Hoskins as Micawber. It was on location for his second film,
John Boorman’s The Tailor of Panama, that he heard he was to play JK
Rowling’s orphaned boy wizard, a promise of worldwide fame that would make
his fellow Potter actor Robbie Coltrane declare that he wouldn’t let his son
do it. Similarly, Boorman was apparently heard to remark, at the time, “Oh
well, there goes his childhood ” — which makes Radcliffe indignant, for he
disproves the common notion of a dysfunctional, indulged child star. The
studios at Leavesden, just outside the bright lights of Watford, are hardly
Hollywood Babylon, and he promises with an incredulous laugh that he was
never offered drugs or booze on the Harry Potter set.
“We were kids in a theme park. I was swinging on the scaffolding, the bane of
the costume department’s life, constantly dirty and ripping the clothes.
Anyway, I’m surrounded by honest people who, at the slightest hint of
arrogance in me, would be quick to say, hey, get back in your place.” Have
they ever needed to say that? “I can’t remember it ever happening. Potter is
far bigger than any one person. You have to know that. If I turned around
and said I’m not doing the last two, there would be added interest and more
people would go and see them.”
Although he has lived the past seven years in stellar adult company
(notwithstanding his mate Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, with whom he bickers
a bit), earning a fortune the size of which he has never asked (estimated at
more than £5m), there is nothing about Radcliffe that seems more
sophisticated or jaded than his years. Rather the opposite, in fact. He is
clearly a ready protégé: respectful and grateful, an earnest learner from
his extended family of Potter’s knighted thespians. Looking for a play, he
had discussed doing The Browning Version, directed by Kenneth Branagh, who
also brought him into talks for Equus (which Branagh originally intended to
direct, though that role fell to Thea Sharrock). His admiration for Oldman
is incandescent, and one can see that the talented welder’s son from south
London would hold a special fascination for such a nicely brought-up
public-school boy; as would the charisma of a short man, which Radcliffe,
too, seems likely to remain. “Gary is 5ft 8in and skinny, but he is
magnetic. I’m 5ft 5Åin, but I’m going to start calling myself 5ft 6in.”
Acting has rescued him. He was never academic or sporty; he disliked school;
university never held much appeal; he probably won’t do his A-levels or
return to formal education, though on the set of the next Potter movie, an
English teacher will come in and read “difficult” books such as Ulysses with
him, just for interest. He finds little in common with other boys his age,
lacking the idling hours of a normal adolescence and the spontaneity for
last-minute plans and hanging out. “It’s not that I think they are immature,
but I don’t know what to say to them. I’m worried I might sound like I’m
boasting, or might mention too many famous names. I find myself becoming
overly timid and self-effacing, and watching what I say. I’m more
comfortable with people who are a bit older, especially older girls, which
is a real curse, because they are not interested in a younger guy.”
Currently single, does he worry he might attract attention for the wrong
reasons? He laughs. “Are you kidding? I’m 17, and as long as girls are
interested in me, that’s fantastic.”
When he returned to City of London School between films, the younger boys
were awestruck and the older ones picked on him, though he is generous
enough to believe they weren’t driven by jealousy, merely by boredom and
testosterone. “The insults were all pretty inane. It was just, ‘Ooh, there’s
Harry Potter, let’s have a go.’ Because I spent time around adults, I was in
a different place. I never got angsty about it. I could always say to myself
that in six weeks I’d be back on set.” The “hormonal agonies” of his teenage
years have helped him present an angrier, more questioning Harry in the
fifth film, which, he reports with satisfaction, is darker and more intense:
“Harry is going through the same stuff.”
Before that come Rod Hardy’s December Boys, his first nonPotter movie, an
independent Australian project about four orphans competing for a family,
and My Boy Jack, an ITV drama to be shown on Remembrance Day, in which he
plays Rudyard Kipling’s myopic 17-year-old son, killed at the battle of Loos
in 1915. “The film is about pro-war Kipling’s sense of loss and guilt,” he
says, adding thoughtfully that his own family have never wanted him to be
anything other than happy. Next year, he will be back on set in Leavesden,
and though he is proud that so far the producers reckon “only 15%” of Equus
tickets have been purchased by Potter maniacs, he can’t help but look
forward to reconnecting with the character who has given him a career he
never even knew he wanted.
“When I’ve shot the last scene of the last movie, I will be devastated. Harry
Potter has provided my friends, seen me through my exams. I’ve had my first
girlfriend, my first kiss. It’s been my life.” Does Harry need to die for
Radcliffe to be finally free of him? “I want him to die because I have a
melodramatic yearning for a death scene. And the prophecy in the fifth book
says only one of Harry and Voldemort can live. Or is it that neither can
live while the other survives? Oh God, what is it? The fans will kill me if
I’ve got that wrong.”
Equus previews at the Gielgud Theatre, W1, from Feb 27
I read you were'nt the popular one in school, but I never knew it was that bad! Well at least I know now that I'm not alone. I get picked on too, mostly guys because they don't want to say in front of my face that they like me or that I do well in school. I don't really blame you Dan it's them that have the problems.
Heather, New Hyde Park, New York, USA
I read you were'nt the popular one in school, but I never knew it was that bad! Well at least I know now that I'm not alone. I get picked on too, mostly guys because they don't want to say in front of my face that they like me or that I do well in school. I don't really blame you Dan it's them that have the problems.
Heather, New Hyde Park, New York
I think that it is kinda sad that you are picked on at school your an induavidual and I think that is great. They are probably just jealous because you have such a great job and you are not a loser like them. Keep up the good work.
Georgia, Hobart, Tasmania/Australia
Daniel dont worry older girls will come around.
Claudia, Logan, Ut
I haven't watched this play mainly because I live in OK, but also because I love the harry potter thing you have going i mean why want to let go of it think about it maybe sometime you could come back in 40 yours for the reunion for the movie and tell everyone exactly how much you miss it i know how it is to want to free yourself of something then when it comes regret ever having the thought that you could be better off you know......................although knowing daniel as the harry potter i had the BIGGEST crush on in the 5th grade he could do anything and everything that you want just makeing a point of why something that kinda started your life needs to go i thought that about him and i guess what im saying is i thought that these books wouldn't stop comming intill J,K, rowling died i thought that was something that would never stop something that i had to wake me up in the morning and read till i fell helplessly asleep at 3am reading why would he want to free himself from that!
amanda, davis, OK
My daughter and I saw Equus on the first preview night on Feb 16th, and we were both highly impressed by the depth and standard of Daniel's acting. The much-vaunted nude scenes tend to pass you by in the build-up to the climax of the play, the understanding of what and why, and at that point much of the attention is riveted on Richard Griffiths - fantastically good in the psychiatrist role.
I admit my 15 year old daughter wanted to see the play originally because of Daniel, but she came away discussing the plot, the play and how amazing Richard Griffiths is.....
Not to take anything away from DR or any other cast member, but this play is thought-provoking and controversial as it was years before, and wonderfully well produced and acted all round
Jan B, Leicestershire, England
It was surprising to see nude pictures of Dan but if it was done to deliver a powerful scene then it was truly justified. I admire Dan for his courage and the maturity that he has shown in taking off his clothes to tell the world that he is not just Harry Potter...He is Daniel Radcliffe...a very good actor!
Jephte Munez, Quezon City, Philippines
I think Daniel will do it fine, he's perfect for any role. he'll never be just Harry Potter. We know that. He'll find many other roles in his acting career. So, congratulations Daniel. You are the one!!
Claudia Boniche, La Serena, Chile South America
Saw Equus last night, and Dan is fantastic in it. A really mature actor with depth, he was seemed shell-shocked when everyone gave him rapturous applause at the end. He's doing good - really really hope he manages to convince people that he's more than just 'Harry Potter'
Mel, Sheffield, UK
Im really happy for Dan cause he really had grown..Not just in the physical....But also as an actor and Im raelly happy that he is not using Harry potter s his acting career for life..And wish him the best gud luck Dan!...
you biggest fan
Mariel Carpio, Cainta,Rizal, Philippines
Daniel,is such a cool guy and actor. He does extra-ordinary stuff, he is definitely my I-D-O-L!!!!! Hope you will form a band and if you will i will really praise you,hahaha.Keep rocking hard,Dan!!!!
Question: I don't get this line :I've had my first girlfriend, does he have a girlfriend before or is he talking about a friend that's a girl?? (sorry,am not really updated with Daniel Radcliffe personal life or whatever you call it)
Adrianne, Cebu, Philippines
it seems that Dan is braver than Harry!
Jim, St. Louis, Missouri USA
I can't help but believe that more than a few muggles will attend the play not for its drama but for a glimspe of the real magic wand.
David, Chicago, USA
I think it is great that you have the confidence enough to take you clothes off in front of hundred of on-goers. I wish i could see the show. I sure you will be great.
dee, saginaw, u.s michigan
i don't know what to say,but that dan really .......i don't know i cann't express it i just wanna screem out and say well done dan,i think the film equus will be great but i don't like the girl with u i'm jealous ha ha ha,what a redicilous thing,i want to say to you that u have many fans here in egypt,i wish u visit it one day.hey i forgot something if i had a role in a play or in a film i wish to act with u one day,the last thing that i wanna say woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo,you're great.
from your fan
Nada, Giza, Egypt
I wish Daniel all the best for the future. What he's doing in Equus takes some guts, I couldn't do nude in public. Being Catholic, exposed nudity was a bit taboo in my youth.
I laughed my head off with the last TV series I saw him in, though I cannot remember what it was called. There was a bit about him telling a woman much older than himself that he didn't want to waste a condom on her, whilst he waved the said condom in front of her nose. I actually know of some young teenage boys who are really like that!!...I think he was portraying the part of a boy scout...a play within a play of sorts...Wouldn't mind seeing it again. It was very tongue-in-cheek humour. Wish I lived in London as I would go to see Equus just out of curiosity even though it sounds like a bit of a wierd play, but then so are horror movies like Psycho and Saw and When Evil Calls etc. (Could Equus go on tour perhaps? Somewhere nearer Lincolnshire or Humberside?)
How un - Harry Potterish of you, Daniel. Keep it up young man...Metaphorically speaking of course...Wink! Wink!
Andrea, Lincolnshire, England
I'm amazed that this interiew was this long, considering they're usually very short. I just have one question for everyone: Is he ACTUALLY having sex, or is it acting? Because if it's acting, it might just mean he's still a virgin. And *Talking to Dan* I'm very amazed by how much you want to be a highly acclaimed actor, known for multiple films and everything, it's a very good goal! I wish I could be in something as big as this whole Harry Potter francise, but sadly, I've only gotten the lead part in my school play, am in in acting class, and have been in 2 public plays. But, good job on wanting to be know for other things! (btw, yes, I AM only almost 14. I have a very exquisite vocabulary.)
Jamilyn White, Burlington, Vermont
Dan is great!!!! I really like him more now...
Im definitely sure he can do so much more than just Potter.. Go DAN!! ;)
Can't wait to see the play..
Marion, Musselkanaal, Holland
I think Dan is fab, I am going to see this play for my 21st Birthdays Prezzie, so dan if you read this i am older woman and intersted ha ha. I cant wait to see Dan transform from boy wizard to boy wonder, x x x
Hannah Bradley, Kings Lynn, UK
As an actor, he should choose plays/movies etc. that allow him to expand and evolve his craft - to stagnate would be to die. People are free to choose if they see him or not. I cannot beleive that people are screaming "Harry Potter will get naked with a horse". Can people tell the difference between reality and make beleive? I have no interest in the play Equus, and I love Harry Potter but I support his chocie to take this role. Like many actors he could get typecasted in this Harry role, to his detriment. By expanding outside Harry Potter early on he may actually have a career after Harry Potter is over.
Jason Cyr, Boston, Ma, USA
I adore him. He totally rocks. So talented, so down to earth, totally adorable and loveable. He's like a fine wine, just gets better with age.
Adaora, Toronto, Cananda
Daniel, keep doing what tou love, you are a great actor and you get into the roles you play
Ieshia, Elmont, New York, Longisland
TERRIBLE!! He, as a seventeen year old, should not take part in plays with nudity in them!!! I love you Daniel, but COME ON!!! Act your age!!! They should make that illegle or something! No offense to his parents but i know mine would never let me be in a play like that!!! I side with the Israel person on this!!
Megan Coghlan, Greenfield, Indiana
I hope Daniel keeps doing what he loves and i hope he knows he's attracting girls all over the world.
Ieshia, Elmont, New York
get over it!!! so he's naked... in a play...(not exactly mass media)...in England..!!!! so if u are offended or leary of your children seeing it, don't buy a theater ticket...don't go to england (and if u live there stay clear of the theater)...and don't see it!!!! give the kid a break!!!! or brand him just another Webster(american t.v child star) destined to go no where else but his cute child role, and currently on a b-list reality t.v. show.
lidia, tr, nj
Refreshing change of pace from most other recent interviews. I got a sense of the real Dan--and a much more grown up Dan--this time round. He sounds like a 17-year-old should sound, mostly grown up but with a bit of boyish cheekiness coming through now and again. And some vulnerability as well. After all, he's not QUITE an adult yet. He seems to be well aware of that. But he's far closer to maturity than many young people his age. He's going to do great things in film and theatre...I can't wait to see it all.
Melanie Scarborough, Virginia Beach, Virginia USA
"Just 15% of tickets ordered by Potter fans"? Get real! At least 60% of the audience will be giggling teenage gals gagging to catch a peek of Potter's package. I, for one, cannot bloody wait.
Lala Cherry, Bucks, England
I thought the interview was going to be either hyper-critical or fawning. You managed to avoid both, well done - though Radcliffe comes across as being perhaps a little too nice for a 17 year old.
To James from Jerusalem,
... the naked body is not offensive to me. No, I have no wish to voyeuristically observe other people's sex acts, but that is less offensive than watching young men of his age rushing up to other human beings to rummage around in their bellies with billets of sharpened steel.
I see Radcliffe is about to do that as Kipling's son.
Murray, Christchurch,
Aww, he's such a sweetie! If only I lived in London; there's at least one girl older than him who'd love to be around him all the time! (She's typing this!)
Sarah, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
I was very impressed with this well-written article. This is the only article that I have read that really went into detail about the important factors in Daniel's life, and what he's up to. This article also shows that Daniel is growing up, and that he won't always be known as Harry Potter. I hope he keeps on picking incredible roles, and that he has a successful carreer.
Katie, Omaha, Nebraska
Great interview, people have to realise that Dan is an actor playing the part of Harry and have a life after Harry Potter. I think it's great that he is doing other things away from the Boy Wizard who is now a man.
Toni, Gosford, N.S.W. Australia
i am glad to hear that radcliffe is planning on doing the last two movies. i hate it when a central character is changed and the fans are supposed to accept that nothing has changed. radcliffe does an excellent job as potter and for another acter to take on the role, well i just dont believe it would work. the replacement actor would forever be judged. i know it happened with the dumbledore charactor. but luckily the movie didnt center around dumbledore and also the third movie was set in such a different tone that it was easier to accept the wildly different personality that was brought to the charactor. as for the last book, well i hope harry lives. these books have helped me to love reading. i have always been a little bit dyslexic and the therefore hated reading. i enjoyed the potter books so much that i didnt mind rereading when i was confused. now that i am sick with MS i find that these books are all i have to look forward too. i pray i find a book series to take there place.
tracey, ashland, ky
This is a great article! I'm going to see Equus as well and I'm looking forward to see him in something else than Harry Potter!
Kelly, Belgium,
Daniel Radcliffe is a great person without a doubt. I already see a load of great things prepared to spark in his Future career. I've grown up with Dan. He inspires me, in a way. I'm glad he can try something new, and still totally and completly be faithful to Harry Potter. I wish him the best, for the lot of his carrrer is just begining.
Darcy, London, England
the interview was great... but im sad that i cant go and see "Equus"... but hey... atleast this summer July 13 is Order Of The Phoenix... and July 21st is Deathly Hallows book... i love HARRY POTTER and DANIEL RADCLIFFE...
Alana, somewhere, Canada
He is absolutely destined to become one of the great actors of our time. One of these days, Sir Daniel Radcliffe. He seems very well-rounded, honest, and humble. This is a great piece on him, as it's not attacking his age or Equus. Very thoughtful. It's wonderful to have been able to see his progression as an actor, and with this interview, I can honestly say that I am proud of him. Good on ya, Dan! Best of luck in everything you do.
Melissa, Chicago, USA
Very disappointing. Of all possible ways for a burgeoning 17 year old actor to try and develop himself, frontal nudity and simulated sex are the wrong way to start, and the result of bad advice. So many other directions he could have chosen. What a shame for him and his millions of fans.
James Hill, Jerusalem, Israel
Bravo Dan!
Being in the older catagory of HP fans...I am as a proud parent would be...watching Dan grow into wonderful young man and actor that he is has been nothing less than a pleasure and an honor...So..Thank you very much Dan for sharing and contiuning to share you outstanding talents with us all.
pam, hershey, pa
Great interview and what a lovely young man.
I'm sure after the last film is all finished we will all be devastated, however the true fans of Dan will move on to the next project with him.
'Break a leg' in Equus Dan!
Kate, Cannock, Staffs, England
dan is a n amazing actor , preety stange that the guys in his school are picking on him . im actually preety glad he's doing equus . it shows he has another side besides harry potter. he's just adsolutly aamazing
Pia Mistri, boston, mass
I think what Dan is doing is great for himself and his image. I really believe that no matter if he didn't take other acting jobs and just worried about HP movies only that he would still be able to get tons of job offers. I really love how dedicated he is about his work. He truly shows fiber. Not many could handle a complex role as he’s taking in the “Equus” play. I’m also glad that he for one is not embarrassed to do a scene in the nude. I know many would and probably be insecure about their self to even consider a role that contains nudity. He is one of the greatest actors in his generation. I expect him to go far in the big world of entertainment. I consider Dan as an “old soul”, which is awesome all on its own. He is very mature for his age and very bright. I wish him all the luck in the world.
Carla, Jenkins, USA
Oh, what an insightful article. This provides such a great feel of the more famously known Harry Potter actor. Though I'm going to see Equus for him, I'm positive I'll enjoy it because he's doing something completely different. It's understandable that Equus might only be seen for the appreciation of art (by most grownups, as younger children are most likely forbidden from even looking at that highly scrutinized photoshoot online), and even those Potter fans that come out afterward may have a deeper appreciation of him. I know I will. I'm 17 as well and I've practically grown up with him through my own childhood and teenage years. I'm glad that I wasn't too old or too young to miss out on Harry Potter and just the right age to enjoy everything else he's doing.
Janet, San Francisco, USA
Dan 's very funny& we all love him as Harry Potter.But this interview proves that he is a good person off-screen too.
Madhumitha, Ahmedabad, Gujarat,India
I think I am in love with this boy a little TOO much!!! I've always admired him, for being such a lovely, charming, funny young man! I've grown up with him, as i have been involved in the 'Potter' films since they started, at age 11, and i was grown more fond of him throughout the years!!
I wish him all the best!
Kellie, Chard, England
Good for you, Dan. Rock on!
Dave Transou, Seabrook, TX, USA
I think this is the best interview with Daniel that I've read...in all honestly. Brilliant interview, by the way! :D
Christina, Fulham, London, England
Finally, someone writes a complimentary article about Daniel Radcliffe and his wonderful parents. I have tickets for Equus and believe I will truly be witnissing the birth of an acting legend. Daniel deserves all the best. He's not only talented...he's just a nice guy as well.
Mary, Chicago, Illinois/USA
What a truly spectacular kid! I wish him the best of luck with everything he ever sets out to do and I hope he "breaks a leg" each night of his stint in "Equus".
carol, Albuquerque, New Mexico/ USA
Dan,
People need to relize that your not Harry Potter. I'm happy that your moving on to more complex acting oppertunities. Even though I love you in the Hary Potter movies, I love the new pictures of you just the same. Parents should nt get mad at you. PARENTS: He is an actor. he is not some lifeles doll that will always be Harry Potter. He needs to move on in life to and live it how he wants to live it with out worries. ilyyyy and all your work.
Tiffany, wilmington, delware
Harry as the mistreated young boy is part of anyone who has badly treated. That was a great part of the heart felt caring for Harry.J.K.R. did a fantastic work of writing . All fans know it is fiction & Dan is an actor of great talent. It would be fitting for a happy for Harry ending & Ginny. Hope very much it it is so. Ron & Hermoni too after Bill's wedding to rid the world of the most evil wizard ever known & Snape.
Drago was not a killer & change.
Betty Smith, La Pine, Oregon
daniel radcliffe surprises me in the interview it shows he's very humble which is so unexpected with mega-celebrities today.
Raffie, Winnipeg, Canada
Daniel is an amazing actor, he has shown the whole world, that he is a very strong boy who knows how to astound. Now he's maturing and people just want to keep him the way he is, but as we all know that could never happen. Daniel knew he needed to show the world another side of his acting career and he went for it. I personly belive he made a wonderful choice to star in the play Equus. It shows how well rounded he is and also brings about himself as amature adult. Daniel you rock keep up that great ambition and strive for excellence.
Xavier Philes, Morgan City, Louisiana
I think what Dan is doing is great for himself and his image. I really believe that no matter if he didn't take other acting jobs and just worried about HP movies only that he would still be able to get tons of job offers. I really love how dedicated he is about his work. He truly shows fiber. Not many could handle a complex role as he’s taking in the “Equus” play. I’m also glad that he for one is not embarrassed to do a scene in the nude. I know many would and probably be insecure about their self to even consider a role that contains nudity. He is one of the greatest actors in his generation. I expect him to go far in the big world of entertainment. I consider Dan as an “old soul”, which is awesome all on its own. He is very mature for his age and very bright. I wish him all the luck in the world
Carla, Jenkins, Kenyucky
Fascinating article, but whichever way you look at it stage nudity and sex for a seventeen year old boy means bad advice from someone. Perhaps he can shoot back cute answers now, but I'm afraid the effects will be seen in later years.
James Hill, Jerusalem, Israel
Very nice interview. It is like we are getting to know the real Dan a bit more if you know what I mean. I love the new openness - so different from the almost scripted responses to interviews that we have come to expect. It seems to me that part of the campaign to change image is to handle the press differently too. I like it a lot. A real lot. Like it or not, this boy is now a young man and socially is right there in the adult arena. Kudos to him.
One thing that I don't agree with Dan about and where I think he may have underestimated his importance to the HP fandom is if he was to leave the role (and I know he isn't just bear with me here) I think that less people would see the movies. At least the fans who can't separate Dan from Harry would probably not go see them. That's a fair few people. I could be wrong.
Thanks once again for a very enjoyable read. May there be many more of this calibre.
Aussie Dee, Perth, Australia
I think what Dan is doing is great for himself and his image. I really believe that no matter if he didn't take other acting jobs and just worried about HP movies only that he would still be able to get tons of job offers. I really love how dedicated he is about his work. He truly shows fiber. Not many could handle a complex role as he’s taking in the “Equus” play. I’m also glad that he for one is not embarrassed to do a scene in the nude. I know many would and probably be insecure about their self to even consider a role that contains nudity. He is one of the greatest actors in his generation. I expect him to go far in the big world of entertainment. I consider Dan as an “old soul”, which is awesome all on its own. He is very mature for his age and very bright. I wish him all the luck in the world
Carla, Jenkins, Kentucky
Great great interview! What an inteigent candid young man. And it's sad about the heckling that he gets from his school mates. Sad that he has to watch what he says so others won't feel that he's boasting. That's the curse of great people. They have to be ever conscious of their responsibility to others - no matter how young they are.
jasmine, Davao City, Philippines
Thank you. What an incredibly written, wonderful article which finally treats Daniel as a human being and portrays him as a normal young man, who just happens to be truly gifted. You've treated his parents with respect and shown us Daniel knows what he wants and how he earns it. He just makes good choices, works very hard and keeps himself busy. This young man has a brilliant career. I am scheduled to see Equus. I see it as am opportunity to witness the early beginnings of an acting legend.
Mary, Chicago, Illinois/USA
Harry as the mistreated young boy is part of anyone who has badly treated. That was a great part of the heart felt caring for Harry.J.K.R. did a fantastic work of writing . All fans know it is fiction & Dan is an actor of great talent. It would be fitting for a happy for Harry ending & Ginny. Hope very much it it is so. Ron & Hermoni too after Bill's wedding to rid the world of the most evil wizard ever known & Snape.
Drago was not a killer & change.
Betty Smith, La Pine, Oregon