Daniel Radcliffe, at 36, is currently rehearsing for his one-man Broadway show Every Brilliant Thing, which opens February 21 in Manhattan’s Theater District. Known for portraying a character who lists reasons to live to help his suicidal mother, Radcliffe embraces the challenge of a play that involves audience participation, describing the experience as outside his usual comfort zone but thrilling in its unpredictability. Simultaneously, he stars in NBC’s sitcom The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, playing a filmmaker aiding a disgraced football star, portrayed by Tracy Morgan. Radcliffe acknowledges his natural pessimism but hopes the comedy will enjoy a multi-year run.
Working alongside Tracy Morgan: Humor and Heart on Set
Sharing the screen with Tracy Morgan, Radcliffe praises Morgan’s comedic brilliance and emotional generosity, noting the fun and meaningful conversations they share despite their differences. Radcliffe is also looking forward to attending a basketball game with Morgan, marking his first experience at a Knicks game and recognizing Morgan’s close ties with Madison Square Garden, promising an interesting outing.
Exploring the Themes of Every Brilliant Thing: Humor Amidst Darkness
Radcliffe describes Every Brilliant Thing as a “very funny play about depression,” highlighting the balance between humor and weighty themes. When reflecting on his personal list of reasons to appreciate life, he focuses on his young son’s endearing mispronunciations, like mistaking confetti for “spaghetti” and a toy Lamborghini as “zucchini.” Radcliffe also mentions his love for music by Joanna Newsom and Tom Lehrer and cherishes simple joys such as
“waking up late with someone you love,”
which he says is a brilliant aspect of life.
Stage Nerves and the Thrill of Live Performance
Despite his extensive career, Radcliffe admits he still experiences pre-show nerves, rejecting the myth that actors never get anxious. He sees nervousness as healthy when performing before hundreds of people and recalls feeling particularly tense during previews of Merrily We Roll Along. The mix of fear and excitement when performing a new show keeps him engaged, although increased familiarity reduces his anxiety over time.
The Significance of Winning a Tony Award
Winning a Tony for his role in Merrily We Roll Along remains an unforgettable milestone for Radcliffe. He recalls celebrating enthusiastically that night, despite no longer drinking regularly, and cherishes a moment spent with co-star Jonathan Groff singing “New York, New York.” Radcliffe described the experience as “impossibly perfect and lovely,” emphasizing its personal importance.
Portraying ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic: Embracing Individuality and Joy
In the 2022 biopic, Radcliffe played musician Weird Al Yankovic, admiring the way Yankovic embraces his uniqueness. He appreciates how Yankovic’s commitment to his own quirks and humor led to a diverse and joyful career, offering inspiration to Radcliffe and others alike.
From Dramatic Beginnings to Comedy: A Natural Evolution
Although Radcliffe first gained fame through dramatic roles, he has increasingly gravitated toward comedy, reflecting on his teenage years spent watching half-hour comedic shows such as 30 Rock and both versions of The Office. He reminisces about sharing jokes from the British satirical show The Day Today with co-star Matthew Lewis during their youth, revealing how humor has long been central in his life.
Accepting the Legacy of Harry Potter
Radcliffe expresses comfort with his lasting identification as Harry Potter, stating he no longer needs the public to forget the role to appreciate his other work. While early career transitions were stressful, he now welcomes the opportunities the franchise has opened. He recalls initial rehearsals for musicals with apprehension, thinking,
“Fuck, everyone thinks, ‘What’s this movie kid doing here, and is he going to be any good?’”
but finds it easier to embrace new projects without such doubts today.
Reactions to the SNL Harry Potter Skit
Radcliffe enjoyed the SNL “Heated Wizardry” sketch, especially after corresponding with Finn Wolfhard, who informed him about the sketch before it aired. Though aware he missed some jokes, he found the portrayal funny and sincere and appreciates the continued cultural affection for the Harry Potter universe.
Relationship Insights: Embracing Communication and Emotional Honesty
Reflecting on his decade-long relationship with actress Erin Darke, Radcliffe credits their success to open, honest conversations. He notes that Darke encourages him to discuss his feelings more openly than he typically would, describing himself as “a vaguely repressed Englishman.” He also admires her clarity and perspective in addressing important issues, emphasizing how much he values her qualities.
Understanding Success: Personal Fulfillment Over Public Expectation
Radcliffe identifies the advantage of success as the ability to continue working in a field he loves while receiving new opportunities. However, he acknowledges the challenge in defining success for himself rather than by others’ standards, especially having become famous at a young age. He remarks,
“OK, I’ve been in the most commercially successful thing that I will ever be in, so that can’t be the boundary for what success is now. It has to be things that are actually fulfilling.”
Memorable Guidance and Personal Mantras
One piece of advice from Radcliffe’s father has deeply influenced him:
“When you’re meeting people, just get your hand out first.”
This gesture helps counter stereotypes about child stars and signals goodwill, demonstrating Radcliffe’s desire to prove kindness and openness early in interactions.
Concert Memories and Cultural Moments
Radcliffe fondly recalls attending the Reading Festival at 16, where he saw the Arctic Monkeys perform before they became widely famous. Experiencing the band in a small tent setting with thousands overcrowding to see them left a lasting impression, symbolizing the excitement of witnessing talent on the cusp of breakout success.
The Most Extravagant Purchase and Social Media Absence
When asked about indulgent spending, Radcliffe humorously deflects, crediting co-star Tracy Morgan with owning unusual items like a glass from the Titanic and a shark tank. Regarding social media, Radcliffe consciously avoids platforms like Instagram and Twitter, citing the stress and negative effect on his mental health, although he remains online in limited ways. He anticipates that his son may view this cautious approach as outdated in the future.
Fatherhood’s Emotional Impact
Speaking candidly about being a dad, Radcliffe admits,
“I’m an emotional wreck, in the best way.”
Fatherhood has made him more expressive, particularly moved by his son’s joy and laughter, which has brought him to tears on multiple occasions. He finds profound beauty in witnessing his child’s uninhibited happiness.
Focusing on Present Impact Over Legacy
Looking ahead, Radcliffe’s main goal is to positively influence those around him during his lifetime. Beyond that, he chooses not to worry about how he will be remembered, focusing instead on the meaningful connections he can create now.
