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Daniel Radcliffe admits drinking to deal with post-Harry Potter pressure

Daniel Radcliffe has revealed how he sought comfort in alcohol because it helped him deal with his post-Harry Potter pressures. The 24-year-old admitted worrying about his career after the wizard film series ended in 2011 was enough to make him turn to booze, in an interview that will air on TV channel Sky Arts later this year. He previously confessed to turning up drunk on the set of the movies after a heavy session the night before.

It is not a real pressure but it is a pressure of living with the thought, ‘Oh, what if all these people are saying I am not going to have a career?’

Daniel Radcliffe, speaking to The South Bank Show’s host Melvyn Bragg

Radcliffe, who has been teetotal since 2010, has since carved out an enviable stage career since the days of wands and wizardry with roles in “Equus,” “How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying” and “The Cripple Of Inishmaan.” He added that while he appreciates the opportunities that have opened up to him thanks to his role in the Harry Potter franchise, he is glad to have moved on.

People don’t shout Harry Potter at me now, they tend to know my name, which is lovely. But I always will credit the opportunities I get to Harry Potter. I would not be a happy person if I was bitter about those 10 years of my life.

Daniel Radcliffe