How Daniel Radcliffe succeeded in Hollywood

Making his post-Harry Potter big-screen debut in The Woman In Black, Daniel Radcliffe has found himself showered with critical acclaim for his role as Arthur Kipps, a solicitor who is sent to a creepy English village that's haunted by a mysterious hooded woman. And with the movie taking the number-two spot at the US box office over Super Bowl weekend - raking in an unexpected Dh72 million - the scary adaptation of the 1983 novel-turned-play, beat off competition from Liam Neeson's The Grey and Drew Barrymore's Big Miracle. So, how did Daniel Radcliffe go from being a little boy wizard to a bona fide serious actor with Hollywood at his feet? We reveal his five-step plan to success…

1. He’s not afraid to take risks

Daniel hasn't shied from walking away from the safe option in his career. Before he'd even retired his wand the 22-year-old had stripped off on-stage for the lead role as Alan Strang in the controversial play, Equus, which was a massive success in the West End and on Broadway, with Daniel performing in both London and New York. The star has also shown that he doesn't taken himself too seriously, appearing on Ricky Gervais's Extras in 2006, parodying his squeaky clean reputation; and taking a dig at close pal Robert Pattinson in a Twilight-themed episode of The Simpsons, with both roles giving him a chance to show off his comedy chops.

More recently, Daniel has adopted a risky open-book policy, spilling on his battle with the booze, admitting, "I had a drinking problem. I became reliant on [alcohol] to enjoy stuff." Admitting in another interview to having filmed parts of Harry Potter whilst under the influence. "I went into work still drunk, but I never drank at work," he said. "[But] I can point to many scenes where I'm just gone. Dead behind the eyes."

2. He boasts "extraordinary ambition" 

Daniel has already won over the hard-to-impress film industry with his determination and drive, with David Yates, the director of four of the Harry Potter movies, praising the young star's "extraordinary ambition". And after seeing his personal fortune top Dh310 million thanks to the Potter franchise, the actor is frequently featured on ‘Richest under 25s' lists, however Daniel, who has admitted that he "never has to work again" hasn't let his vast fortune dim his determination, and he's declared plans to move into writing, insisting, "Every time I see a play or a film, I'm at that point where I want to write something."

"He possesses great zeal and passion for achieving his aspirations in life, and can be quite a fanatic when he sets his sights on a goal," said a pal. With Yates adding, "Dan has outstanding energy, enthusiasm and passion for the work and the people he's with, it's admirable."

3. He’s remained grounded 

The 22-year-old actor doesn't appear to have allowed himself to become caught up in the glitz and glamour of a Hollywood lifestyle. His girlfriend of 18 months, Rosie Coker, who he met when she worked as a production assistant on the final Harry Potter movie, stays firmly out of the spotlight, and friends say she encourages him to do the same.

Daniel also admits he's lucky to call his down-to-earth Potter co-star, Emma Watson a "close friend", with Emma herself saying of his approach to fame, "He understood what his role was, not just as an actor but as the leading man, he held it all together. I am very grateful for him."

But striking a balance between his celebrity and private lives has proven difficult for the star, who admits, "There were a few years when I was just so enamoured with the idea of living some sort of famous person's lifestyle that really isn't suited to me, I'd just rather sit at home and read, or go out to dinner with someone, or talk to someone I love."

And Daniel has also been careful to avoid one of the pitfalls of fame - groupies. "Someone once said to me, ‘You can go outside and pick from the girls at the stage door.' And I said, ‘No, that's not me.' Because, to do that, you kind of have to be a ****."

4. He’s diversifying

With currently only one movie on the horizon, Kill Your Darlings, in which he is set to play iconic American poet, Allen Ginsberg, alongside Dexter's Michael C Hall and the industry's go-to girl-of-the-moment, Elizabeth Olsen, Daniel has shown a maturity beyond his years by being highly selective with his future projects.

Along with How I Met Your Mother star, Neil Patrick Harris, who starred in the musical Company, and X-Men's, Hugh Jackman, who was lauded for his sold-out, one-man show Back On Broadway, Daniel has also proved a hit on stage thanks to his turn as J. Pierrepont Finch in the hugely successful 2011 revival of the comedy musical How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying; leading one New York theatre critic to gush that "Radcliffe proves himself a showman of the first order, with a charming stage presence and a killer smile."

5. What next?

Daniel admits that as far as his future plans go nothing is set in stone. But the actor has expressed admiration for his Potter co-stars Alan Rickman and Gary Oldman, both of whom have enjoyed decades in the industry, revealing that he'd like to follow in their footsteps.

"I've always thought that as long as directors and casting directors don't see me as just Harry Potter, I'll be okay," he says. "People have shown a lot of faith in me, and I owe them a huge debt. They're letting me prove I'm serious about this."

But, more importantly, Daniel wants to keep proving that he's no one-trick pony, insisting, "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 actor' argument."