Daniel Radcliffe has shared his thoughts on the freedom he enjoys in his acting career during a recent appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast hosted by Josh Horowitz. Reflecting on his journey since achieving stardom in the Harry Potter franchise, the actor revealed how this success has allowed him to make bold creative choices in both film and theatre.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Daniel-Radcliffe-041426-808b5a766dbb48afb7cd1a90609bc7d7.jpg)
In their conversation, which was recorded on 9 April at the 92NY in New York, Radcliffe discussed the unique position that actors like himself and the cast of Stranger Things find themselves in. Due to their breakthrough roles in globally popular projects, they possess what Radcliffe describes as a “most amazing jumping-off platform” that provides greater artistic freedom.
“I’ve met a few of the Stranger Things kids recently, and it’s always lovely to see how well they’re doing,” Radcliffe remarked. He also offered a piece of advice to the younger actors entering the industry: “Do whatever the f— you want.”
Horowitz echoed Radcliffe’s sentiments, highlighting the financial security that comes from being involved in a successful project like Harry Potter. This financial comfort allows actors to prioritise creative pursuits over monetary concerns, which is not the norm in the industry. “Basically, you had that rare license: ‘I have security, monetarily, I’m fine for whatever. I can be creative. I can just fly my freak flag,’” Horowitz stated.
Radcliffe wholeheartedly agreed, noting the autonomy he has in choosing his projects. He acknowledged that few actors are ever afforded such a level of freedom in their career. “No actors are ever in that position,” he said, before adding, “If you are in the industry, you know that most actors will never have that kind of control.”
While Radcliffe is thankful for the stability that the Harry Potter films provided, he is also realistic about its longevity. “That’s not a position that any of us will be in forever,” he acknowledged. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities he has received and encouraged other actors to take full advantage of their careers while they can. “While you’re in it, just make hay while the sun shines,” he said.
Most recently, Radcliffe has been seen in the NBC sitcom The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, where he stars alongside comedian Tracy Morgan. The show premiered in January and represents another departure into the comedic realm for Radcliffe.
In addition to television, he lent his voice to the animated film Pizza Movie, which recently debuted on Hulu and Disney+. The project features a cast that includes Gaten Matarazzo, another graduate of the Stranger Things phenomenon.
Radcliffe’s stage career also continues to flourish. He has accumulated six Broadway credits over his career, following his award-winning role in Merrily We Roll Along. Currently, he is performing in the solo play Every Brilliant Thing at New York’s Hudson Theatre, which began its run in February. Notably, Mariska Hargitay is set to take over the production beginning 26 May.
As he looks to the future, Radcliffe remains committed to exploring diverse and creative roles that excite him. His reflections on the journey thus far highlight both the rewards and challenges of navigating a career in the performing arts. With a strong foundation from his Harry Potter days, he encourages others in the industry to embrace their creativity and pursue their passions fearlessly.