Daniel Radcliffe - Beyond Harry Potter

Best known as 'Harry Potter', actor Daniel Radcliffe is making a name for himself in the industry. At the age of ten, he had to convince his parents to let him try out for the famous wizard role and now he is showing his brilliance on both screen and stage.

Taking a year off from school, 17 year old Daniel chose to jump head first into carefully selected roles to push his acting skills. The release of the latest installment of the Harry Potter series will be in theaters in July of this summer. He also has signed to do two more Potter films.

The first major film for Radcliffe outside of the 'Harry Potter' character will be released in August of 2007. "December Boys", a Becker Films production, directed by Rod Hardy (The X Files, The Practice) is currently in the post production phase. Radcliffe plays, 'Maps', one of four orphaned boys in the late 1960s. This is a coming of age drama about four adolescent orphans whose deep friendships are tested when the opportunity for one of them to be adopted becomes possible.

"December Boys" was a challenge for young Radcliffe because of the hectic filming schedule placed on him. However, he proved to be very professional; able to be a productive actor who grows with his roles.

To top off his busy schedule of filming "Harry Potter" and "December Boys", he was also involved in "My Boy Jack", an Ecosse Film for ITV1, UK that has an estimated air date of late 2007. This film was written by David Haig who also stars as Kipling while Daniel plays Jack. During the Edinburgh Film Festival in August 2006, a pre-recorded video message from Radcliffe was presented. He explained the film is about Rudyard Kipling and his son, Jack, at the time of World War I.

Radcliffe was obviously inspired by the storyline when he stated, "'My Boy Jack' is a moving and powerful story not only of duty, sacrifice and bravery, but also the horror of war. Today nearly a hundred years on, young men are still going off to fight in war. Many will never return. In 'My Boy Jack', we will remember them."

Daniel Radcliffe has grown up in front of the world on the big screen and is now showing us his talent on the stage in the play "Equus", directed by Thea Sharrock. This production is located in the Gielgud Theatre, London and runs February 27 through June 9, 2007. Prior to the opening of the show and during the previews, there was much excitement over Radcliffe's nude scenes.

"Equus" is an emotional and psychological drama containing depictions of graphic acts of violence and scenes of nudity - obviously not suitable for a young audience. Radcliffe appears as 'Alan Strang', a troubled 17-year old in the heart of this tale of sexual awakening, fetishism, and the emptiness of a modern, godless world. Putting aside the excitement and hype of nudity on stage, Daniel Radcliffe's performance is possibly the most powerful ever.

Richard Griffiths who plays 'Uncle Vernon' in the 'Harry Potter' films, is playing the main character opposite of Radcliffe's, the psychiatrist, 'Martin Dysart'. The chemistry between the two characters is so active and intense; the audience is pulled into the story.

This opportunity is perfect for Daniel to show the world that he is a serious actor. His energies are so focused on his character; he seems to glow from within. His performance seems effortless and natural. He has the ability to expand his range and fill a stage; Daniel Radcliffe shows his potential for real magic. He is on the road to becoming a Great Actor of his time.