From the tender age of five, Dan expressed an interest in acting, and his early experiences in school productions, once as a monkey ("I hope no-one ever finds any pictures of that!"), served to fuel his dream. Naturally, his parents were cautious with regards to allowing their child to pursue a career in acting. Being involved in the business themselves, they understood all the potential pitfalls. So Dan missed out on a part in a television production of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist - but he was destined to make his small screen debut as another of Dickens' famous titular characters: David Copperfield, starring alongside Maggie Smith and Bob Hoskins. The annual Christmas BBC period drama is very popular in the UK, and this 1999 adaptation of the classic novel was particularly well received. The producer had these comments after working with Dan:

"He has a particular quality of naturalness and innocence. One normally dreads working with child actors, but in his case he was wonderful. He has a great deal of charm and simplicity."

It was this charm and simplicity that caught the eye of Chris Columbus and David Heyman whilst on the search for a young British actor to bring to life the lead character of what is arguably the modern literary world's most successful phenomenon: Harry Potter. This was going to be no mean feat for whoever won the role, and superb casting of the part was, of course, vital to the film. Again, Dan's understandably protective parents were reluctant to subject their son to any gruelling audition process, only to have his hopes dashed. So the life-altering role was at first turned down. Dan has often spoken of his parents encouragement and support, and when serendipity smiled down on him one evening in a theatre, (while watching the play Stones in his Pockets), they agreed to an informal meeting with David Heyman, who Alan Radcliffe knew. Once his mother and father were confident that, if Dan were offered the role, he would be protected as much as possible from the media glare, auditions followed. Then one night while taking a bath, Dan heard his father answer the 'phone:

My dad came in and told me Id got the part of Harry Potter. I cried, I was so happy. I woke up in the middle of the night, around half two, and I woke up my dad too, just to check with him that it wasnt all a dream. That I really was going to be Harry Potter.

The casting of Dan, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson in the lead roles of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger was subsequently announced and production of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's (Sorcerer's) Stone' began in November 2000. The worldwide interest in the film was unprecedented, and it was one of the most highly anticipated films of 2001. Dan found himself on the cover of Vanity Fair, The Face, Empire, Premiere, and practically every other entertainment magazine of the moment when the film was released on 16th November 2001. History has repeated itself with the first sequel, 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets', smashing transatlantic box office records once again. This doesn't, however, seem to faze the young actor:

I have never seen an article or read a review or anything because it can affect your performance.

Tales of the camaraderie on set are now well-known, and Dan has earned himself a reputation as a practical joker - once setting the language on Robbie (Hagrid) Coltrane's mobile phone to Turkish. Dan obligingly wrote an apology note for his actions!

Dan has shown a remarkable knowledge and understanding of how best to portray the famous young wizard he so vividly embodies:

If I thought too much about Harry as he is in the later books, I might end up bringing in his character from them in too early

There are a few parallels to be drawn between the apprentice wizard and Dan. Thrust into the limelight at an early age, both Harry and Dan have had to deal with the hazards of the media circus. Both are coping well. It is possible to imagine Dan walking the corridors of his school with people muttering "Bless my soul, it's Daniel Radcliffe!" Happily though, this does not seem to be the case! The words of the Sorting Hat in one scene could also ring true: "Plenty of courage I see. Not a bad mind, either. There's talent - and a thirst to prove yourself." When Dan himself is asked what qualities he shares with the bespectacled schoolboy hero, he states that loyalty, curiosity, standing up for himself and a propensity to land himself in trouble are the greatest similarities. His friends are, like Harry, incredibly important, and they have not changed their attitude towards him since stardom has struck:

We have pizza parties which means I get four friends round, we eat a pizza and we're really lazy and we play PlayStation.

Dan is now a teenager, attending an all-boys private school in London, and he has diverse interests. He supports his local football (soccer) team, Fulham, and looks after his two dogs, Binka and Nugget. He has credited Chris Columbus with giving him a love of film, and counts '12 Angry Men' and 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape' among his favourites. He has developed a love of Classic Punk music (The Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Jam) and still has a passion for the Simpsons! Dan has now worked alongside half of Britain's A-List actors, such as Alan Rickman, Kenneth Brannagh, Julie Walters and the late, great Richard Harris. Yet when asked which leading actor he would most like to work with: "Toby McGuire" comes the response. Spiderman!

His co-stars have lavished praise on Dan. Kenneth Brannagh has spoken of his joy to work with such a well-balanced young cast, and Rupert has admitted that Dan always knows his lines! Chris Columbus has been more precise:

"What used to take eight or nine takes, now we do it in two or three. Particularly Dan. He has almost become a mini-action hero. He is really strong and I like that strength about him because Harry Potter needs to develop that strength He is incredibly focused, Ive seen actors twice his age who couldnt give as convincing a performance."

Reviews of Dan's performance as Harry Potter have been consistently positive, and in February 2002, he won the Variety Club Award for Outstanding New Talent. Importantly, author Joanne Rowling has also given Dan (and the films in general) her seal of approval. The films to date have certainly delighted Potterphiles. There is to be a change, however, for 'The Prisoner of Azkaban', Dan's preferred Potter book. The director will be Alfonso Cuaron, and Chris Columbus will be taking a step back, although he remains as Executive Producer to ensure continuity for the franchise and a smooth transition for the young leads. When asked how he felt about the prospect of a new director, Dan replied that he is excited - it will be a new and different experience.

Dan has earned himself quite a large female following since the filming of 'Chamber of Secrets'. He has received thousands of letters, but does he consider himself a heartthrob?

"Personally I can't see it, but if other people can, fine. Cool!" Comes the modest reply.

So what next for the remarkably mature young thesp, whose exquisite manners, talent and charm have cast a spell over the cinematic world? Dan has expressed an interest in writing, and in directing. We could possibly be following Dan's progress behind the camera in years to come. If he continues to act, he says:

"I may do something to disassociate myself from the role (of Harry) but it's something I will never be ashamed of."

Away from Potter, Dan has starred as Jamie-Lee Curtis' son in the Pierce Brosnan film 'The Tailor of Panama', and contributed to a video to help Autistic people to learn to recognise facial expressions. He has said that he would also consider studying the condition further in order to work in this field.

The press delights in speculation regarding how long Dan and his friends will remain in their current roles post 'Prisoner of Azkaban.' At this stage, it remains just speculation, as the children are growing at the same rate as their fictional counterparts. However, Dan has wisely refused to commit. "Each movie takes nearly a year to film, so that's a decision I won't have to think about for a while." Chris Columbus has advised him to remain for as long as he is having fun. As long as he wants to be there. He has counselled him to consider relinquishing the part to lead a more 'normal' life in his later teens. This is sage advice - Dan, not Harry, must come first. Legions of Dan's fans would undoubtedly mourn such a decision initially, but those who wish him well see its sense. With so many doors open to him, Daniel Radcliffe is certainly not short of options.

It is safe to say that whatever path he chooses, he will probably continue to charm all those he meets. RadNET wishes him every success. Oh, and as many Jammy Dodgers as he can eat!