Daniel Radcliffe Biography

Acting was almost inevitable for English-born Radcliffe, with a casting director mother and a father who works as a literary agent. Although he failed to get the lead role in the telefilm Oliver Twist he soon landed the part of young David Copperfield in the telefilm, David Copperfield.

Working with such seasoned actors as Bob Hoskins, Maggie Smith and Sir Ian McKellen, he received a top quality atmosphere for learning the ropes. Two years later, he made his feature film debut in The Tailor of Panama (2001). It was while he was filming that role that Chris Columbus, the director of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, asked him to come and audition, having seen him in David Copperfield. However, Radcliffe's parents thought that the project was too big -- that their son's life would change too much by landing such a large role. Ironically, he was at a theatre one night with his father, watching a play, when he was approached by the producer, David Heyman, during the intermission. He later called the Radcliffes to ask if Daniel could meet, regarding the role in Harry Potter. After the meeting, he was asked to audition, and by this time, Radcliffe had convinced his parents to let him try out for the role.

Chris Columbus was thrilled that Radcliffe was showing interest, as he'd decided early on that the young actor was perfect to play the role of Harry. Although he'd auditioned other young actors, no one had been able to make him forget Radcliffe's haunting quality as young David Copperfield. Radcliffe found himself playing the lead role of Harry Potter in the anticipated family film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001), based on J.K. Rowling's popular novel, and signed on to star in the first five movies.

Once his contract was up, he signed another contract for $50 million to star in the final two films of the series. After wrapping up production of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007), he received critical acclaim for his starring role in the stage play Equus, which garnered him worldwide attention due to a nude scene. He will repeat his performance on Broadway.

Radcliffe recently graduated from an all-boys' private school and is planning to go to college.