Daniel Radcliffe assured that he went through stages of deep emotional discomfort in his youth and that the life he leads today – marked by fatherhood – would be unrecognizable to his younger version.
The 36-year-old actor made these statements on Tuesday, March 31, during a panel after the screening of Every Brilliant Thinghosted alongside Project Healthy Minds CEO Phil Schermer and moderated by People deputy news editor Dave Quinn.
“There have been times in my life when I have been deeply unhappyparticularly when I was much younger,” Radcliffe said, according to People.
And he added: “Today I spent the day with my three-year-old son walking down the street, with him holding my hand, being beautiful, funny and naughty, and I am very happy. If they had shown you when I was 20 years old, he wouldn’t have recognized me”.
Along the same lines, he highlighted that his personal experience allows him to embody a message of hope from the stage.
“It’s always worth giving the future a chance to prove you wrong,” he said. “There is enormous potential for deep happiness in the future, even if it is not where you are right now.”
Every Brilliant Thingwritten by Duncan Macmillan alongside Jonny Donahoe and directed by Jeremy Herrin, addresses depression and mental health crises through an interactive theatrical proposal.
The play has been performed in more than 80 countries and was previously adapted into an HBO special starring co-creator Donahoe. It came to Broadway after a successful season in London’s West End.
For Daniel Radcliffeparticipating in this production represents more than just an acting job. “It’s the most profound and meaningful show I’ve ever done,” he told the magazine.
“The opportunity to connect with people about mental health is really rare. As a performer in this play, you get an incredible insight into how bright and kind people can be,” she added.
The actor also highlighted the unique nature of the format: “It’s so special. I get to meet a group of people before it starts, chat a little, and then come back to them throughout the show.”
Radcliffe’s participation in the play will conclude on May 24. Starting May 26, Mariska Hargitay will take over in the leading role.
“I hope the show serves as a gateway to start the conversation about mental health,” the actor said during the panel.
Daniel Radcliffe and his life as a father
Radcliffeknown for keeping his private life away from the media, made unusually open comments on this occasion about his three year old sonthe result of his relationship with the actress Erin Darke. The minor’s name has not been publicly revealed.
In statements collected by Hello Magazinethe protagonist of the saga harry potter He described his son as “a ball of joy, so happy, fun and sweet,” and confessed that this image gives him mixed feelings.
“I find it beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. I become very protective and suddenly understand every instinct that parents have. of homeschooling and moving to the woods,” he said.
As reported by the New York TimesRadcliffe initially rejected the possibility of starring in Every Brilliant Thing because the production would have taken him away from his family, since it was scheduled to take place in London, while his home is in New York.
“The bar for what will take me away from my family has definitely been raised,” he acknowledged to the aforementioned media.
About his son’s professional future, Radcliffe was clear during an appearance on the program The View: “I would prefer him not to be an actor.”
However, he clarified that, since both he and Erin Darke are dedicated to acting, the child will see them being passionate about their work. “If I ended up behind the cameras, I would love it,” he added.
