Daniel Radcliffe, best known for his role as the iconic wizard in the Harry Potter series, recently shared a rare moment when a Harry Potter joke genuinely made him laugh, during an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers. The moment highlighted how, despite years of constant wizard-themed humor, a clever twist still managed to impress Radcliffe, offering new insight into the Daniel Radcliffe Harry Potter joke phenomenon that fans love to share.
Uncommon Laughter from the World’s Most Famous Wizard
During his conversation with Seth Meyers, Radcliffe openly discussed what it takes to make him laugh at a Harry Potter reference, given his extensive experience enduring two decades of wizard-inspired puns and jokes. He noted that while most attempts miss the mark simply because he’s heard every variation, he remains open to being surprised.
“It’s very rare that I experience a Harry Potter joke in the wild that makes me truly laugh,”
Daniel Radcliffe, Actor.
“Not because they’re bad, just because I’ve heard all of them! It has to be really good to make me laugh.”
Daniel Radcliffe, Actor.
Radcliffe recounted how, on a previous visit to the show, a discussion centered around his son, whom he welcomed with partner Erin Darke in 2023. The actor explained that he prefers not to mention his child’s name on television.
The Voldemort Punchline That Broke the Mold
Seth Meyers jumped in with his perspective, revealing more about the backstage conversation. He recounted how his producers asked about Radcliffe’s child, and the joke that followed caught everyone off guard, including Radcliffe himself.
“I was like, ‘Tell me how old Daniel’s child is,’”
Seth Meyers, TV Host.
“And they were like, ‘Two years old but [Daniel] never says his name publicly. And then my producer Kevin Miller said, ‘Is it Voldemort?’”
Seth Meyers (quoting Kevin Miller), TV Host / Producer.
Radcliffe admitted to being genuinely amused by this punchline, indicating how high the bar is for Harry Potter jokes but affirming that this one was, indeed, worth sharing.
“It’s really good. It’s a really good joke.”
Daniel Radcliffe, Actor.
“Obviously you’re the audience for it,”
Seth Meyers, TV Host.
From Broadway Stage to Big Screen
The same episode brought together Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez, who were enthusiastically promoting the upcoming live recording of the Tony-winning musical Merrily We Roll Along. The stage production, filmed during its 2024 Broadway run, is set to premiere in theaters soon, allowing a broader theater audience the chance to witness the acclaimed show.
For the actors, watching themselves on the big screen proved a challenging experience. Lindsay Mendez described Radcliffe’s discomfort during the screening.
“Dan was in a ball, not wanting to watch himself,”
Lindsay Mendez, Actor.
Radcliffe confirmed that self-critique made watching himself difficult, although he appreciated his co-stars’ performances.
“I started watching it and I was like, ‘Oh god,’ but then I watch these guys and I’m like, ‘Oh, that’s nice,’”
Daniel Radcliffe, Actor.
“It was mixed for me. If there could be a cut made of everything I’ve ever done without me in it, I would love watching that.”
Daniel Radcliffe, Actor.
Seth Meyers, ever the wit, pointed out the flaw in that desire:
“They say the Potter films are not great without Potter,”
Seth Meyers, TV Host.
“I mean, I beg to differ,”
Daniel Radcliffe, Actor.
“I think there’s a lot of people doing some really good work.”
Daniel Radcliffe, Actor.
A New Generation Steps into the Spotlight
While Radcliffe isn’t eager to revisit his own films, the Harry Potter world is set to continue with a fresh cast in a new HBO adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s novels. Eleven-year-old Dominic McLaughlin will take on the beloved role in this awaited series, bringing excitement and curiosity to a global fan base eager to compare his performance to Radcliffe’s.
Despite choosing not to participate in the reboot—and making clear his distance from controversial series author J.K. Rowling due to her comments—Radcliffe demonstrated grace by reaching out to the young actor undertaking the lead.
“I wrote to Dominic and I sent him a letter, and he sent me a very sweet note back,”
Daniel Radcliffe, Actor.
“I hope you have the best time, and an even better time than I did. I had a great time, but I hope you have an even better one.”
Daniel Radcliffe, Actor.
The Lasting Impact of a Legendary Character
Daniel Radcliffe’s reflection on the challenge of Harry Potter jokes, his camaraderie with fellow actors, and his support for Dominic McLaughlin, show how his connection to Harry Potter continues to resonate with fans both old and new. As a new chapter begins for the wizarding world, Radcliffe’s good humor and candidness maintain his place as a cherished figure, while inspiring a new performer ready to step into the magical role at HBO and beyond.
