The producer remarked that "He has charm and simplicity" and "a particular quality of naturalness and innocence."
It was perhaps his charm and simplicity that helped Chris Columbus and David Heyman find the perfect person for the most vital role in the Harry Potter movies-- Harry Potter. Dan's parents were slightly reluctant to let him audition to only let him down. So, at first, the gigantic role was forgotten. Dan often speaks of how his parents have always supported him, and he is completely right. One evening while watching the play 'Stones in His Pockets', his parents agreed to have a meeting with David Heyman. When his parents were convinced that if he received the part and would be protected as much as he could be from the media world, he auditioned. Then, one night while Dan was in the bathtub, he heard his father answer the telephone,
"My dad came in and told me I'd got the part of Harry Potter. I cried, I was so happy. I woke up in the middle of the night, around half past two, and I woke up my dad too, just to check with him that it wasn't all a dream. That I was really going to be Harry Potter."
The casting of the leading roles for the film were announced, and the production began in November of 2000. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was the most worldwide anticipated movie in 2001. The Chamber of Secrets proved to be just as successful. Dan found himself on covers of hundreds of magazines, but he remarks that,
"I have never seen an article or read a review or anything because it can affect your performance."
Dan is also known as a practical joker ! He once set Robbie Coltrane's (Hagrid) cell phone language to Turkish! Yet, he wrote an apology letter for his actions!
Despite his age, Dan is very professional. He has planned how to best portray his world famous character, Harry Potter.
"If I thought too much about Harry as he is in the later books, I may end up bringing in his character from them in too early."
When Daniel is asked if he is similar to the heroic Harry, he says that his loyalty, curiosity, standing up for himself, and the way he always seems to land himself in trouble are the traits he shares. His friends are still incredibly important to him despite his stardom.
Dan now attends an all-boy private school in London. He supports his local soccer team, Fulham, and loves to take care of his two dogs, Binka and Nugget. He enjoys proper rock music and loves the Simpsons. He has gotten to work with some of Britain's most profound actors, like Alan Rickman, Julie Walters, Kenneth Brannaugh, and Richard Harris.
Chris Columbus says,
"What used to take eight or nine takes, we now do it in two or three. Particularly Dan. He has almost become a mini-action hero. He is really strong and I like that strength about him because Harry Potter needs to develop that strength. He is incredibly focused, I've seen actors twice his age who couldn't give such a convincing performance."
Dan's Harry performance has gained constant positive reviews and he won the Variety Club Award for Outstanding New Talent in February 2002. Joanne Rowling has even given him her positive review. A change in the direction of the Harry Potter films will be that Alfonso Cuaron will direct the Prisoner of Azkaban. Chris Columbus will remain the Executive Producer for the film. Dan gave his input on getting a new director: He said that he was excited- it will be a new and different experience.
He has shown interest in writing and in directing. If he continues to act, he says,
"I may do something to disassociate myself from the role (Harry) but it's not something I will ever be ashamed of."
Dan has also starred in "The Tailor of Panama" and contributed to a video to help Autistic people to recognize facial expressions.
The kids are growing up fast, just like their film characters. Wisely, Dan refused to commit to anything. Chris Columbus said to stay only as long as he is having fun. As long as he wants to be there. He has given him the choice of living a 'normal life' in his later teens. He says- Dan, not Harry, must come first. Of course, Dan's billions of fans will be greatly depressed if he chose to leave, but those who wish him well will not begrudge. With so many options open to him, Dan will certainly never run short of choices.
It is safe to say that whatever he decides to do in his life, Daniel Radcliffe will continue to amaze and charm all who meet him. DanRadcliffe.com Adaption, November 2002
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