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   Daniel Radcliffe by Sara Hall
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As one of the world's most recognisable faces, Daniel Radcliffe made his name playing Harry Potter in the film series based on the Harry Potter books. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the first book in the series, appeared in 1997. The film of the same name followed in 2001. Within this short space of time, the Harry Potter phenomenon spread to every corner of the globe. Written by author J K Rowling, the Harry Potter books are the most popular series of children's books ever. By the same token, the films are the most successful film franchise of all time.


The Harry Potter films have a roll call of British acting talent that is second to none. Stars such as Robbie Coltraine, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Kenneth Branagh and Alan Rickman have all appeared in one or more of the films in the series. Industry experts estimate that the Harry Potter films have earned a staggering $4.5 billion in box office sales so far. J K Rowling herself is one of the richest women in the world today. And with a personal fortune estimated to be £20 million in 2009, Daniel Radcliffe need never work again. Apparently, Daniel Radcliffe originally disliked the Harry Potter books. But as his significant wealth is entirely due to Harry Potter's massive popularity and widespread appeal, Daniel Radcliffe now has a great deal to thank Harry Potter for!

 

Daniel was born in west London on 23 July 1989. As the only son of literary agent, Alan Radcliffe, and casting agent, Marcia Gresham, Daniel came from a theatrical and literary family. Daniel decided to be an actor when he was just five years old. From an early age, Daniel enthusiastically participated in many school productions and plays.

Daniel's acting debut came in December 1999 in the BBC television production of Charles Dicken's David Copperfield, where he played the young Copperfield. His role in the television series was a success. As a result, talent scouts specifically asked Daniel to audition for the lead role in the Harry Potter film. After a lengthy selection process involving scores if not hundreds of screen tests with young hopefuls, Daniel landed the role in August 2000. Fortunately, J K Rowlings herself approved of the choice, saying: "Having seen Dan Radcliffe's screen test, I don’t think Chris Columbus, the director, could have found a better Harry".

Interestingly, Radcliffe's film debut was not in the Harry Potter film but in The Tailor of Panama in 2001, where he played alongside the former James Bond, Pierce Brosnan. Despite this exposure to Hollywood-style glamour and success, nothing prepared Daniel for the massive media interest and global box-office sensation of the first Harry Potter film released later in that same year. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone broke all box office records in 2001. This first film in the Harry Potter franchise has taken $976 million in worldwide sales to date. The film created millions of new Harry Potter fans among children and adults alike. Across the world, the growing community of Harry Potter fans desperately waited for the next Harry Potter book and the release of the next film adaptation. Sales of Harry Potter franchise goods shot through the roof.



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Glossary

Phenomenon (n)
a remarkable event or situation.
 
Franchise (n)
a formal agreement to sell a company’s goods in return for a payment or a part of the profits.

  Last Updated ( Thursday, 15 October 2009 13:38 )