16 Magazine ~ Our Hero Harry!
Daniel Radcliffe's first acting gig was in a television version of Charles Dickens' David Copperfield. Little did Daniel, 12, know at the time that playing young David would eventually lead him to one of the biggest gigs in movie history - the title role in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. And not only does he look like Harry's twin, but he also shares his sweet English accent.
How did you hear about the movie?
I just got done with David Copperfield, and I went to my friend's house and he said to me, "Oh Dan, you know they're holding auditions for the Harry Potter film. You should go out for it." And I said, "No! There's going to be millions of boys and girls. I'd never get the part."
Were you nervous at your auditions?
I was very nervous. I came out of the first one thinking that I messed up really badly. And then I came out of the second one thinking, "Well, that was okay."
Where were you when you found out you got the part?
I was in the bath. It was David Hayman who called, and he told my dad. He rushed upstairs and told me, and I started to cry - with joy, of course!
How did you prepare for the movie?
Because J.K. Rowling and {screenwriter} Steve Kloves portray Harry so well and bring out his character, it's quite easy to get into his mind.
Any embarrassing moments from the set you can share?
There's one scene where we ran down this corridor and we had these books with leather straps holding them. And we had to run, sit at our desk and unwrap them. Well, Rupert unwrapped his really fast, and it actually flew out into the air and hit him in the eye!
What's your favorite scene or set?
Probably the Final Chamber. It's really huge and intense. And it's very frightening.
Any other really cool ones?
The Chess scene, where there are giant chess pieces. And Devil's Snare - the set was so cool, and it had great special effects.
Anything funny happen during filming?
There's this on scene where Rupert tips a whole box of jelly beans into his mouth and he gets loads of disgusting ones!
Did you have a stunt double?
I did most of the stunts myself, I'm proud to say. I had to fall into concrete, but I was padded. I also hung 22 feet high in the air on a broomstick with one hand when I was doing the Quidditch game.
If you could cast a spell on someone, what would it be?
If I liked them, it would be a spell where I'd give them a special power, like invisibility. If I didn't like them, I'd probably make them really embarrassed.
What kind of magical powers would you like to have?
Invisibility, so I could sneak into top-secret meetings and stuff.
How did you get into acting?
I was always interested in acting. I knew it wasn't quite likely that I'd become an actor because not many people get to be actors, if you think about how many people want to be. I've been very lucky.
What was your first audition?
David Copperfield. After four months and six auditions I got the part, which was really cool.
Do you find it easy to memorize lines?
After I read a script about three times, it sinks into my head. With Harry Potter, it took about six times because it was a lot bigger.
You're a newcomer at this whole celeb thing. Are you nervous about the movie premiere?
It makes me sorta nervous. There will probably be some huge spot {British for "pimple"} on my nose or something, or I'll trip and fall on my face. I'm not clumsy, I'm just accident-prone.
Do you have any upcoming projects?
Just Harry Potter 2. We start filming at the end of this year.
Do you want to make all the Harry movies?
I hope to, but I probably won't. After a while I'll change so much physically that I probably won't look right.
Do you think people will eventually call you Harry instead of Daniel?
It would be cool if they did! I like the name.
Which Harry Potter book is your favorite?
The second one. It's really dark, and there are a bunch of other story lines.
Your favorite word in the Harry Potter books?
I like the word - it's very bad to say this - but I like the word Voldemort. I like the way it sounds in your mouth. But I really shouldn't say that!
Who is your favorite character in the book?
I think the Weasley family is great. In the first book though, it would probably be Hagrid.
Favorite subject?
I like science and I love gym. Oh, and I like art, but I'm really bad at it. I'm just a terrible drawer. I can't draw a circle. Even with a ruler, I can't draw a straight line.
What are your favorite hobbies?
Running and gymnastics.
Favorite TV Show?
The Simpsons.