Early Life and Education of Daniel Radcliffe: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Daniel Radcliffe, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Daniel Jacob Radcliffe is an English actor who gained international fame for his portrayal of Harry Potter in the film series of the same name (2001-2011). This role established him as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Since Harry Potter, he has taken on diverse roles in film, television, and theatre, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1979: Historical context for "Escape from Pretoria"

In 1979, the real-life prison escape that inspired the 2020 film "Escape from Pretoria", starring Daniel Radcliffe, occurred in South Africa.

1983: Publication of "The Woman in Black" novel

In 1983, Susan Hill's novel, "The Woman in Black", which Daniel Radcliffe would later star in the movie adaptation, was published.

July 1989: Daniel Radcliffe's birth

In July 1989, Daniel Jacob Radcliffe was born in London to Marcia Jeannine Gresham and Alan George Radcliffe.

April 2006: Unveiling of portrait at the National Theatre

On April 13, 2006, a portrait of Daniel Radcliffe by Stuart Pearson Wright was unveiled at the National Theatre in London.

2006: AS level exams

In 2006, Daniel Radcliffe achieved A grades in three AS level exams, before deciding to take a break from education.

2007: Role in My Boy Jack and poetry publication

In 2007, Daniel Radcliffe co-starred in "My Boy Jack" and published poetry under the name Jacob Gershon in Rubbish magazine.

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2008: Donation to Holocaust exhibit

In 2008, Daniel Radcliffe donated his old glasses to an exhibit honoring victims of the Holocaust.

2008: Learning about The Trevor Project

In 2008, Daniel Radcliffe first learned of The Trevor Project while performing in "Equus" on Broadway and began contributing financially.

2008: Revealed Dyspraxia Diagnosis

In 2008, Daniel Radcliffe revealed that he has a mild form of the neurological disorder dyspraxia, which sometimes prevents him from doing simple activities such as writing or tying his shoelaces.

2009: Filming public service announcements for The Trevor Project

In 2009, Daniel Radcliffe began filming public service announcements for The Trevor Project to promote awareness of gay teen suicide prevention.

2009: Radcliffe states opinion on British Monarchy

In 2009, Daniel Radcliffe stated he supports abolishing the British monarchy and replacing it with a republic.

2009: Declared Himself an Atheist

In 2009, Daniel Radcliffe stated that he was an atheist and expressed respect for people like Richard Dawkins who advocate for atheism.

August 2010: Becoming teetotal

In August 2010, Daniel Radcliffe became teetotal after becoming too reliant on alcohol.

2010: Endorsement of Nick Clegg

In 2010, Daniel Radcliffe endorsed Liberal Democrats leader Nick Clegg in the general election.

2010: Advocating for equal rights

In 2010, Daniel Radcliffe stressed the importance of public figures advocating for equal rights in an interview.

2011: Receiving The Trevor Project's Hero Award

In 2011, Daniel Radcliffe received The Trevor Project's Hero Award for his contributions.

2011: Presenter at Gypsy of the Year competition

In 2011, Daniel Radcliffe was a presenter at the Gypsy of the Year competition and auctioned off items worn in "Equus" for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

2012: Beginning relationship with Erin Darke

In 2012, Daniel Radcliffe began a relationship with American actress Erin Darke after meeting on the set of "Kill Your Darlings".

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2012: Expressed Atheist Beliefs

In 2012, Daniel Radcliffe stated, "I'm an atheist, and a militant atheist when religion starts impacting on legislation." He also identified as being Jewish and Irish, despite being English, and mentioned his family as being "Christmas tree Jews".

2012: Switch to Labour Party

In 2012, Daniel Radcliffe switched his political alignment to the Labour Party, citing disillusionment with the Liberal Democrats.

2013: Accidental Antifreeze Consumption on Horns Set

While on the set of the 2013 film Horns, Radcliffe accidentally drank antifreeze, which caused him to become "horrendously ill" for "a disgusting, feverish three days."

2014: Opposition to Scottish independence

In 2014, Daniel Radcliffe opposed the Scottish independence referendum.

2015: Endorsement of Jeremy Corbyn

In 2015, Daniel Radcliffe endorsed Jeremy Corbyn's Labour Party leadership campaign.

2019: Described Himself as Agnostic

In 2019, Daniel Radcliffe described himself as "agnostic leaning toward atheism".

2019: Exploration of family history in Who Do You Think You Are?

In 2019, Daniel Radcliffe explored his family history on both his mother's and father's sides in the BBC genealogy series "Who Do You Think You Are?".

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March 2020: Appearance on Desert Island Discs

In March 2020, Daniel Radcliffe appeared as the guest on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, discussing his alcohol misuse and decision to become teetotal.

June 2020: Support for the transgender community

In June 2020, Daniel Radcliffe penned an essay for The Trevor Project supporting the transgender community amid controversy over J.K. Rowling's remarks.