Daniel Radcliffe spent the better part of his childhood in film sets and is undoubtedly a prodigy at work. From the young age of 11, starring as the main lead in the Harry Potter franchise and making it what it is today, mostly falls on his shoulders. Apart from the awards and praise for his role, the franchise was so successful that it was enough to make Radcliffe one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood.
Unlike many other actors in the industry who have been introduced to acting by their parents, Radcliffe was hooked on it even before he could run properly. When the Jungle actor was five or six years old, visiting a comedy play sparked something in him, and he became determined to pursue a career in acting. Though his parents were initially against it, as the path to success was very hard and rigorous, one recommendation from a certain individual changed his life for the better.
One Recommendation Changed Daniel Radcliffe’s Career
Daniel Radcliffe started acting at a very young age and had small roles in BBC’s David Copperfield and The Tailor of Panama, and although they were small roles, his cast in BBC’s show and starring in it was the biggest game changer for him. Radcliffe’s parents knew that it would not be an easy road to success for the young boy, not only in the field of acting but in any profession.
But Hollywood was a completely different scenario, as many would crush the other for their own success and it was not a place for an 11-year-old. Still, the little prodigy went against his parent’s wishes and performed quite well in the small roles that he was provided with, which led him to star alongside Maggie Smith, and that became the starting point of his life.
“More as like a self-esteem thing, my parents were like, ‘Maybe he can have an audition, and the experience of auditioning will have been a thing that none of the other kids in the class will have.’
And then, on that project, I worked with Maggie Smith. She played my aunt in that. And then I think it was her who recommended me to the director for Potter.”
Daniel Radcliffe shared in an interview with Wired that from the time he went to that show with his mother, he has wanted to pursue acting over anything else, which eventually landed him the role in David Copperfield. The Lost City actor worked alongside Maggie Smith in the tv show, and according to Radcliffe, it was she who put his name for the Harry Potter project, and might have recommended him to Chris Columbus, the director of the first two Harry Potter movies.
Daniel Radcliffe’s Parents Supported Him Through the Tough Times
While it has been previously stated that Daniel Radcliff’s parents were against him pursuing acting, especially his mother, who discouraged him multiple times as she too was an actor, and had already experienced the tough lifestyle one had to lead, it was obvious that a parent would want a better life for their children.
But despite their advice against it, the young star had already made up his mind and they could only support him on his to stardom, probably one of the best to date. But fame and recognition always come with a catch, and the attention and fame he was receiving led him to crumble under the pressure of performing, as he felt like he couldn’t live up to his fans’ expectations.
Many actors and famed celebrities go through these tough times and rely on their families, loved ones, and friends for support. Daniel Radcliffe was the same, his parents and close friends helped him get back on his feet and helped him overcome his alcohol addiction which he picked up during these rough times. Presently, after earning millions of dollars from the franchise, the actor is living a very lavish and comfortable life and is also expecting his first child with his longtime girlfriend, Erin Darke. The Harry Potter franchise has earned a total of $7.7 billion at the box office, with an overall budget of $1.2 million.
The Harry Potter movies are available for streaming on Amazon Prime.
Source: Wired
