Harry Potter Star Radcliffe Admits Struggle With Alcohol: I Became ‘Reliant’ on It
- Posted on July 4, 2011 at 11:15am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
- Print »
- Email »
LONDON (AP) — Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe said he has given up drinking alcohol after realizing he was partying too hard.
The 21-year-old actor says he began to drink too much while filming “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince,” the sixth movie in the Harry Potter series, in 2009.
He said; “I became so reliant on (alcohol) to enjoy stuff. There were a few years there when I was just so enamored with the idea of living some sort of famous person‘s lifestyle that really isn’t suited to me.”
He added that he decided to cut out drinking altogether, instead of simply cutting down.
“As much as I would love to be a person that goes to parties and has a couple of drinks and has a nice time – that doesn’t work for me. I do that very unsuccessfully,” he said.
“I’d just rather sit at home and read, or go out to dinner with someone, or talk to someone I love, or talk to somebody that makes me laugh.”
Radcliffe was speaking to GQ magazine in an interview released Monday.
Radcliffe shot to fame aged 11 after he was cast as Harry Potter for the movie adaptations of J.K. Rowling’s popular books about a teenage wizard.
Many child actors have struggled to cope with adulthood, but Radcliffe said he was determined to prove that child actors could go on to build long careers.
“If I can make a career for myself after Potter, and it goes well, and is varied and with longevity, then that puts to bed the ‘child actors argument,’” he said.
The last movie in the series “Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part II” premieres on Thursday.
Popular Stories
Does Misstated Marathon Claim Prove Paul Ryan Is Dishonest? (POLL) 693 Comments
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 498 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 351 Comments
‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 332 Comments
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 318 Comments
Faith
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 318 Comments
Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 332 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 243 Comments- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 148 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 302 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 318 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (65)
beverlee
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 4:09pmMy Dad was a recovering alcoholic. He struggled with it my whole life. I pray he has the strength to deal with such a difficult issue. Life is tough for child stars. It is very rarely reality based.
Report Post »Bernard
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 4:08pmHarry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe is an intelligent young man for catching this addiction at such an early stage. Too many people, be they famous or not never realize their addiction until it is too late. Good for him.
Report Post »Gas137
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 4:06pmSeems like a smart kid. Hope he stays smart.
Report Post »ares338
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 3:03pmI struggle when I can’t get a hold of some. Really distressing ya know!
Report Post »kristhetalker
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 2:54pmI’m pretty sure Ron Howard put the whole “Child Actor” argument to rest well before Radcliffe was even born.
Report Post »powhatan
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 2:53pmGood for him..he realizes young what his limitations are. I say Bully!
Report Post »Lotus503
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 2:27pmHe better not be flying any brooms while he’s like that…
Report Post »Jenny Lind
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 2:19pmI hope he inspires the many young people who love this series. I ttakes guts ti admit faults and try to be a good role model for the kids who are interested in Harry Potter and him as an actor. Good for him to recognise early a problem and work to fix it. I believe thats called courage, and goes along with character. Maybe that is why it’s in the Blaze.
Report Post »vtxphantom
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 2:19pmTime to grow up. Can’t stay a child forever.
Report Post »Anniecat
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 2:12pmThis sets a good example for enamored youth! I like the fact that he wants to share this! I also like that he wants to break the child star stereotype. I do question his parent‘s and agent’s advice for Equus.
Report Post »Smith29-2
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 2:01pm“Yep, my career is over, no more dressing up like a druid and playing with my magic wand, time to hit the magic elicksor.”
I could really care what this kid does, his importance to me is about that of the Obama’s brats after they leave the White House. Now there is just nothing for these nerds to do but wait for the Hobbit to come out in a year or so to take care of their withdrawls.
Report Post »nomercy63
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 2:01pmAnother Hollywood loser rises!!! I wish I had their money! I promise to do more with it then these clowns!
Report Post »UlyssesP
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:52pmGood luck kid. Don’t forget to inhale though!
Report Post »auntmoxie.com
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:51pmSomeone wrote, “Who cares?” Well, I care…. I think it’s an inspirational story. It’s hard to bring your best to fruition — something our country gave us the freedom to do– when you live life in a haze. Good for him.
Report Post »rjtaurus605
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 10:35pmI care too! I think most of us listened to Glenn Beck recount his fall with booze, and at least this young man figured out what was hurting him before it wrecked a marriage and hurt kids. so I would say he is courageous for taking a higher moral path. And is that not one of the goals of this movement? Should we not applaud an actor that has some common sense?
Report Post »TomFerrari
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:50pmPray for him.
I’m sure it is a difficult – extremely difficult – crutch/addiction/vise to overcome.
May God be with him and help him to conquer it.
Report Post »outsidethebox
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:29pmAn actor with some sense. Good for you. Keep at it. It really isn’t worth it. Besides the hangovers are a b*tch sometimes.
Report Post »KickinBack
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:50pmGood story, and I hope he stays true, but it’s difficult. Actors are notorious drinkers. And don’t forget, so was Glenn. Hence I see why this story appeared on here. Stay on the wagon Dan!
Report Post »mrsmileyface
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:47pmThe ONLY way I would care about this story was if I was his agent. But Im not so I dont. Good day sir.
Report Post »Ron_WA
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:39pmAlcohol is cunning, baffling & powerful. Some people are prone to addiction. I hope he gets the help he needs & can remain abstinent.
Report Post »Texas Grasshopper
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:32pmis it me or did the content of most news change , drudge , blaze , fox …seems like something changed all od a sudden ……?
Report Post »angelcat
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:08pmI think that, in light of all the scary and depressing economic and international news and natural disasters, the sites are deciding (and I agree with them) that people need a break and give it to them with more of the “light” news, human interest, etc. I don’t know about anyone else, but if I don’t get away from all the depressing stuff that is effecting me now and will in the future frequently, I’ll find myself begging for anti- depressants or avoiding ALL the media to retain my sanity.
Report Post »Texas Grasshopper
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:31pmis this msn ? abc ..? ….I cant cant get away from the gossip crap ….
http://beforeitsnews.com/story/775/134/Why,_Why,_Why.html
more and more tis is where the news is …..alot to sift though but at least it there …..hey editor ..wake up …
Report Post »JayCee
Posted on July 5, 2011 at 7:56amIt is called ‘The Fusion of Entertainment and Enlightenment’ for a reason.
Report Post »sbenard
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:28pm“Reliant” = addicted
What a loser! First he decides to do a play butt naked, fully and frontally exposed to “enhance” his career. Now, he admits he’s “reliant” on alcohol. He is another case of Hollywierd gone berserk! Please, someone! Just flush the toilet before he gets out! Hurry!
Report Post »suran
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:36pmLondon, not Hollywood – he’s a British actor – the movies were filmed in England. He is not part of the “Hollywood” crowd as you suggest. Get your facts straight before you comment, please.
Report Post »TRUTH
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:44pmAdmits he WAS reliant on alcohol. Read the story, it’s about him making a healthy decision.
Report Post »b.mclane
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 2:10pm*sigh* ..You mean the classic play Equus??? *sighs and hold head* ….Where the lead actor is REQUIRED to be nude ??( cause he has a mental thing for horsie sex ). Its not Daniel’s decision, its the character. I thought it incredibly brave for him to take on this challenge being known as Harry Potter. Its stresses his sincerity to be a real actor not a famous person. It also takes courage to say you have alcohol issues. Remember, he is English and over drinking there is common. Seems to me he makes thoughtful decisions.
Report Post »PIL
Posted on July 6, 2011 at 10:26amThere’s nothing wrong with acting naked in Equus, he’s an actor! It’s what they do! If women can show their boobs, men can show their d’s.
Report Post »http://libertarians4freedom.blogspot.com/
Steve
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:10pmAre you kidding me. Who the hell cares!
Good God Blaze!
Report Post »Protect us and build roads
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:18pmWell Steve, probably those who have followed all of the movies.
Report Post »Is_Sense_Common
Posted on July 6, 2011 at 2:05pmWell, there’s only a couple hundred (million) of folks who love the Potter series. It may not make any difference in our day, but not unreasonable to post. Sometimes we gotta think about something other than the rat-bastards that are in DC, figuring out how to remove more of our freedom.
Report Post »sbenard
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:31pmIt’s called “human interest” in the world of journalism. You clicked on the link, so you must have had some “interest” yourself!
Report Post »kindling
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 3:11pmWell said….exactly! If they are not interested them skip the story. I am happy for him that he got a grip on reality…..maybe it will not end up a looser Hollywood liberal. It gives me hope. During his drinking days he was a flaming lib so maybe he is growing up. Good for him.
Report Post »Allarius
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:41pmCal down there Steve. Did anyone beat you on the head with something till you were forced to come to this article and read it all? Hmmm ? no? I thought it was a great story and an uplifting one as well if he stick to his guns. Wouldn’t it be nice to see someone come out of a childhood in Hollywood and be…normal Or should we all just expect all of them to be Lindsey Lohan?
Report Post »randy
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:05pm@STEVE, I agree, who the hells cares!
Report Post »mizflame98
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 3:15pmMaybe kids that are struggling with alcohol. He sounds like a true inspiration for other teens and young adults.
Report Post »gray lady
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 8:56pmThose of us who have the same problem and made the same decision care and applaud his decision. I hope it works for him, it’s a hard row to hoe.
Report Post »oldwmn
Posted on July 5, 2011 at 11:07amwho cared about bout the lush Judy Garland, the Opium dens in the 20, the white lighting runners who later became NASCAR DRIVERS, who cared about the pill popper Elvis, i could go on and on,
Report Post »I think it takes great courage for him to say I had a problem with booze and i swore it off, and yes
I have read all the books and seen all the movies, and i am 60 years old and hes a BRIT so its a bloody shame you have rammed him into Hollywood as he is not that crowd..the dumb bimbos who hold little dogs and carry 1,000 purses or the sluts who use chloroform on their daughter so they can do the clubs big eyeroll
Gonzo
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:09pmNo more drunken broom riding? Bummer.
Report Post »Lawlcat001
Posted on July 5, 2011 at 11:24ambazinga
Report Post »oriondma05
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:06pmGood for him, I struggle with alcohol too. It‘s good to address the problem before it’s out of hand.
Report Post »banjarmon
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:02pmRadcliffe, Stay drug free and be a roll model to all the kids that have seen you in the movies
Report Post »God Bless.
Restored One
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:12pmThis story does not have much relevance at the Blaze. If I want entertainment gossip I will go to a website that normally would cover such a story. The past few days the Blaze really has become weird with some of the stories.
Report Post »fastfacts
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:23pmHOLLYWOOD IS FULL OF ALCOHOLICS…
Look at Lindsay Lohan. The day she got off house arrest she went out clubbing and got hammered.
At least Radcliffe learned better and is trying to overcome it.
People want to lower the age of drinking, Britain and Ireland did this and they have huge numbers of young alcoholics, hold them off and give them a chance to learn more before they partake.
NOTE: Newsweek Columnist came out this weekend and said that God puts himself out to be God to the Democrats: http://tiny.cc/mtm2s
Report Post »b.mclane
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 2:13pmLohan did not get “hammered” …she di dgo out for her birthday but stayed off the booze. Gossip, gossip, gossip.
Report Post »