Jamie Lee Curtis, known for her pride in family and close relationships, recently expressed heartfelt admiration for Daniel Radcliffe during a reunion on the Today show. Curtis, who embraces the Yiddish tradition of kvelling—boasting proudly—about those she cherishes, took a moment to reconnect with Radcliffe, her former onscreen son, sharing warm memories from their past together.
The reunion happened during Curtis’s promotion of her new show Scarpetta, when Radcliffe joined her backstage before his own segment promoting The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins and his Broadway play Every Brilliant Thing. Their heartfelt interaction revealed their shared history dating back to the 2001 film The Tailor of Panama, where Curtis played Radcliffe’s mother.
Behind the Scenes: The Early Days of Daniel Radcliffe and Jamie Lee Curtis
Curtis fondly recalled those early moments on set, noting how young Radcliffe was at the time.
“I haven’t seen Daniel since he was… how old were you?”
she asked during their on-air conversation, to which he replied, “Ten.”
She described how Radcliffe had to wear a fake tan for the film since the storyline was set in Panama.
“All the kids were in the pool. He couldn’t go in the pool because he had a fake tan,”
Curtis said, sharing a vivid memory of him sitting poolside. With a laugh, she added,
“And I remember he was sitting by the pool and I looked up at him at one point and I went, ‘Wait, you know, you look like that kid who is on the cover of that book!’”
referring to Radcliffe’s soon-to-be iconic role in Harry Potter.
At that time, director Chris Columbus had likely already identified Radcliffe as a leading candidate for the film adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s series, though the young actor was unaware of the casting plans.
Daniel Radcliffe’s Early Casting Experience and Career Growth
Radcliffe recalled details about his mother’s involvement in the casting process.
“His mom was a casting director, and she was like, ‘Yes, they already called us,’ and it was too big of a… what was it, was it too big of a commitment?”
Curtis asked, trying to remember.
Radcliffe explained,
“It was, at that point, to sign for seven films. I don’t think I knew about it at this point. I think my mom was probably like, ‘No no no, don’t mention it to him!’”
He was officially cast that same year, launching a high-profile career.
Curtis continued praising Radcliffe’s evolution as an artist, comparing his dedication to that of Michelle Williams, highlighting both actors’ commitment to their craft beyond their early fame.
“And since then, he’s not only done that, but now he’s doing this work, and so he reminds me of Michelle Williams — people who are committed to the art of what they do. She was on ‘Dawson’s Creek,’ now she’s in that fantastic show, ‘Dying for Sex,’ on Broadway, singing, dancing, doing monologues, doing something very important.”
Curtis’s Personal Connections and Warm Reflections on Acting Careers
Jamie Lee Curtis’s connection to Michelle Williams runs deep, having acted alongside her in Halloween H20: 20 Years Later in 1998. This adds another layer to her admiration, as she openly kvelled about both Williams and Radcliffe in the same heartfelt segment.
The reunion revealed Curtis’s genuine warmth and affection, with Radcliffe visibly touched by her praise. Host Hoda Kotb acknowledged Curtis’s natural ability to express these warm feelings, saying,
“Can I just say something about Jamie? This was Jamie’s segment. You have one coming up.”
Radcliffe, somewhat overwhelmed, encouraged viewers to support Curtis’s new show, saying, “Everyone watch ‘Scarpetta!’”
A Touching Moment Amid Difficult Times on the Today Show
As the conversation wound down, Curtis and Radcliffe shared a group hug with Kotb, emphasizing the healing power of connection during challenging moments. Curtis expressed solidarity with the Today show family amidst the unresolved kidnapping of host Savannah Guthrie’s mother, saying,
“We are with all of you.”
The segment ended on a tender note, with Curtis planting a loving kiss on Radcliffe’s cheek, revealing the deep bond they share. Her spirited kvelling and affectionate demeanor made a powerful impression, showing the genuine kindness behind her glowing praises.
The Enduring Impact of Jamie Lee Curtis’s Generous Spirit
Jamie Lee Curtis’s ability to uplift and celebrate those around her exemplifies why she is so cherished in both her personal and professional circles. Her joyful kvelling for Daniel Radcliffe, her family, and her godchildren offers a glimpse of warmth and generosity that resonates deeply, especially in times filled with anxiety and uncertainty.
This reunion not only rekindled an old connection but also reminded viewers of the importance of kindness, support, and heartfelt appreciation in the entertainment industry and beyond.
