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Look up presenter or host in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

A presenter, or host (sometimes hostess, in feminine form), is a person or organization responsible for running an event. A museum or university, for example, may be the presenter or host of an exhibit. Likewise, a master of ceremonies (also MC, emcee, or host) is a person that hosts or presents a show.^[1] In films, a presenter (but not a host) is a usually well-known executive producer credited with introducing a film or filmmaker to a larger audience. In broadcast media, especially British, a presenter is the person who hosts, narrates, presents, or takes the main role in the program.

[edit] Television presenter

A television presenter is a person who introduces or hosts television programmes. Nowadays it is common for minor celebrities in other fields to take on this role, but there are also a number of people who have made their name solely within the field of presenting, particularly within children's television series to become a television personality.

Some presenters may double as an actor, model, singer, comedian etc. Others may be subject matter experts, such as scientists or politicians, serving as presenters for a programme about their field of expertise (for instance, David Attenborough). Some are celebrities who have made their name in one area, then leverage their fame to get involved in other areas. Examples of this latter group include British comedian Michael Palin who now presents programmes about travel (such as Around the World in 80 Days), and Alan Alda, who has presented Scientific American Frontiers for over a decade.

The term is also used in other countries, such as Ireland. In the USA, such a person is typically called a host or an MC (Master of Ceremonies). There are many most popular television personalities in Nepal. For example: Bikash Thapa Chhetri, Bijay Kumar Pandey and Bhusan Dahal are the most popular.

Radio presenter[link]

Broadly speaking, a radio presenter (often radio personality) is the same as a television presenter, except that they present radio programs instead of television programs. Big name presenters include Scott Mills, Tony Blackburn, Dale Winton, Steve Wright, Chris Moyles, Howard Stern, and Hamish and Andy.

News presenter[link]

Sports presenter[link]

A sports commentator (also sports announcer, sports broadcaster, sportscaster, or sports presenter) is a type of journalist on radio and/or television who specializes in reporting or commentating on sporting events. Sportscasting is often done live.

Weather presenter[link]

A weather presenter is a type of journalist on television who specializes in presenting weather forecasts.

References[link]

Oxana Fedorova

Beauty pageant titleholder
Born	Oxana Fedorova (1977-12-17) December 17, 1977 (age 34) Pskov, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
Height	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Hair color	Brown
Eye color	Green
Title(s)	Miss St. Petersburg 1999 Miss Russia 2001 Miss Universe 2002 (dethroned/resigned)
Major competition(s)	Miss Russia 2001 (Winner) Miss Universe 2002 (Winner) (dethroned/resigned)

Oxana Gennadyevna Fedorova (Russian: Оксана Геннадьевна Фёдорова, Oksana Gennad'yevna Fyodorova (born December 17, 1977) is a Russian Miss Universe winner, television presenter, singer, retired police officer , former university lecturer, actress, and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

Fedorova became the first Miss Russia to win the Miss Universe contest. She began in the entertainment business as a model and became Miss St. Petersburg in 1999 and Miss Russia in 2001.^[1]

Early life[link]

Oxana Fedorova was born in Pskov, Russia, where she lived until she was 18. Fedorova is an only child, and she was brought up by her mother and maternal grandparents.^[2]

Fedorova's parents divorced when she was three years old. She did not hear from her father since then. In 2005 Oxana tried to find her father, but discovered he had died.^[3]

Her father was a nuclear physicist, and her mother worked as a nurse at a psychiatric hospital (she is retired). At the police academy, Fedorova played the saxophone as a member of the brass band.^[4]

Cadet and Beauty Queen[link]

After graduating from the police academy with a red diploma (i.e. with honours), Fedorova worked as an inspector in the Pskov militia for six months.^[5]

Following her time with the force, Fedorova moved to St. Petersburg to study at the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) University, where she worked as an investigator at the Pulkovo Transport Police whilst studying.^[6]

Fedorova also began to work as a model and started to participate in beauty pageants.^[7]She was named Miss St. Petersburg 1999, Miss Kalokagathia 1999, Miss Fitness, Miss Fortune, and Miss Russia 2001, but declined to go to the 2001 Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico, where her runner-up Oxana Kalandyrets would become a semifinalist.

Fedorova graduated from the MVD University with a gold medal in 2000. After that, she entered a post graduate course at the same university.^[8]

While Oxana wrote her Ph.D. dissertation on "Regulation of Private Detective and Security Activity in the Russian Federation," she taught Civil Law to younger students.^[9]

Miss Universe 2002[link]

Oxana Fedorova, Miss Universe 2002

The 2002 Miss Universe contest was held in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Fedorova won both the swimsuit and evening gown competitions by large margins over the other nine semi-finalists.

Upon being crowned Miss Universe 2002, Fedorova was given multiple honors and gifts. Russian doll designer Helen Yarmak even dedicated a doll to her.

Fedorova traveled to Kenya, Indonesia, Italy, France, Greece, Panama, Canada and Puerto Rico as Miss Universe 2002.^{[10][11][12][13][14][15]}

In Kenya, Fedorova toured HIV/AIDS programs in and around Nairobi, including AIDS orphanages^[16]

When she was in Indonesia, she visited Borobudur in Central Java with the Puteri Indonesia 2002, Melanie Putria Dewita Sari.^[17][18] They also met the President of Indonesia, Megawati Soekarnoputri, at her residence, Istana Negara.^[19][20]

Controversy soon loomed ahead for Fedorova, however, as she was later rumored to be pregnant.^[21]

Fedorova denied the pregnancy rumors and stated that she voluntarily gave up her crown for personal reasons, mainly because she wanted to finish her law degree.^[22] At the time, she stated in an interview that she had declined to perform her duties because she was so insulted by her treatment on The Howard Stern Show. She blamed the pageant organizers for not warning her of the frequently profane Stern commentary, of which she, as a foreigner, had no prior knowledge.^[23] The crown was passed on to Panama's Justine Pasek, the first runner-up, who consequently became her country's first Miss Universe.

Fedorova was the first Miss Universe who officially did not finish her reign (although the very first Miss Universe, Armi Kuusela, gave up her title a month before her reign ended and Amparo Muñoz of Spain was "unofficially" dethroned in 1974).^[24]

Although the Miss Universe Organization refuses to recognize Fedorova as a former Miss Universe, she is generally regarded as one by the public.^[25]

Fedorova was named the most beautiful Miss Universe of all time by the pageantry website Global Beauties in 2011.^[26]

In a poll conducted by the ­The All-Russian Center for the Study of Public Opinion in 2012, respondents named Oxana Fedorova the most beautiful woman in Russia.^[27]

Police Officer[link]

On December 27, 2002, Oxana Fedorova successfully defended her doctoral thesis. She officially obtained a Ph.D. in Civil Law from the Saint Petersburg University of the Ministry of Interior of Russia (MVD University) on May 16, 2003.^[28]

She continued to teach at the Saint Petersburg University of the Ministry of Interior of Russia.^[29]She also continued her career as a police officer, being promoted to the ranks of Captain in September 2002 and Major in 2005.^[30][31]

Television career[link]

Since the end of her reign, Oxana Fedorova has become a household name in Russia by hosting the country's most popular children's television show, Spokoinoi Nochi, Malyshi ("Good Night, Children") beginning December 2002.^[32]

In October 2003, Spokoinoi Nochi, Malyshi won the TEFI award for Best Children's Show. TEFI (Russian: ТЭФИ) is an annual award presented by the Russian Academy of Television.^[33]

Fedorova has co-hosted television channel Rossiya 1's popular Subbotnik show since September 2004.^[34]

Since 2009, Oxana has been a host of the TV show "Subbotniy Vecher" (Saturday Evening) on channel Rossiya 1.^[35][36]

Oxana has co-hosted the Eurovision song contest Russian Finals and Junior Eurovision National Finals.^[37][38]
Fedorova has also been the Russian Federation spokesperson for Eurovision, announcing the Russian vote in 2008, 2010 and 2012.^[39][40][41]

She has been a host of the traditional "Голубой огонек" (Blue Light) New Year's TV special on Channel Rossiya 1 since 2005.^[42][43][44]

Oxana has made multiple appearances on TV Channel Rossiya 1's "Новогодний парад звезд" (New Year's Parade of Stars).^[45][46]

• Oxana Fedorova was a co-host for the reality television show Fort Boyard: Russia, in 2003 and 2004 on TV Channel Rossiya 1 (Russia 1 TV Channel).^[47]
• Fedorova became one of the judges for the reality television show ТЫ — СУПЕРМОДЕЛЬ-2 (You are a Supermodel-2) in 2004.^[48]
• Fedorova returned to Fort Boyard: Russia in 2006 as a contestant.^[49]
• In 2006, Oxana made her acting debut, appearing in the top-rated Russian television sitcom Ne Rodis' Krasivoy (Don't Be Born Beautiful).^[50]
• Fedorova appeared on the television show, Dancing With The Stars 2: Russian Version in 2006.^[51] She made it to the Top 5.
• Fedorova was a presenter at the "Золотой Орел" (Golden Eagle) 2008 awards for film and television excellence.^[52]
• Oxana Fedorova performed a duet with Eurovision 2008 winner Dima Bilan in the New Year 2009 TV musical "Золотая рыбка" (Zolotaya Ribka).^[53][54]
• Oxana has co-hosted and performed at the "Славянский базар" (Slavic Bazaar) Music Festival in Vitebsk, Belarus in 2009 and 2010.^[55][56]
• On July 28, 2009, Fedorova and Russian singers Nikolay Baskov and Sergey Lazarev hosted Muz-TV's "VIP ZONE" at the Новая Волна (New Wave) international music competition in Jūrmala, Latvia.^[57]
• Fedorova and Russian tenor Nikolay Baskov performed at the "ПЕСНЯ ГОДА 2009" (Song of the Year) concert at Moscow's Olympic Sports Complex.^[58][59]
• Oxana Fedorova and Russian tenor Nikolay Baskov performed at the Valentin Yudashkin show 2010, held at the State Kremlin Palace. Russia's first lady, Svetlana Medvedeva, was in attendance.^[60]
• Oxana Fedorova was a guest judge on the Russian version of the reality television series "Проект Подиум" (Project Runway). The show premiered on October 8, 2011 on MTV Russia Channel.^[61]

Film and music career[link]

Filmography[link]

• Oxana Fedorova appeared in the film "Елка" (Yolka) in 2006.^[62]
• In 2007, she starred in the movie "Софи" (Sofia).^[63]
• Oxana was among several Russian celebrities who lent their voices to the animated fairy tale "Феи" (Fairies). The Walt Disney production was released in Russian theaters on October 23, 2008.^[64]
• Oxana Fedorova and Nikolay Baskov provide the voices for "Barbie" and "Ken" in the Russian version of the animated 3-D film "История Игрушек: Большой Побег" ("Toy Story: The Great Escape") from Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios . The film was released in Russia on June 17, 2010.^[65][66]

Music Videos[link]

• Oxana Fedorova appears, in animated form, in popular Russian singer Nikolay Baskov's animated video of his 2009 hit "Натуральный блондин" (Naturalniy Blondin).^[67]
• In August 2009, Oxana and Russian tenor Nikolay Baskov released the music video of their duet "Права Любовь" (Love is Right).^[68]
• In July 2010, Oxana Fedorova released the music video to her single "На шаг один" (Na Shag Odin).^[69]
• Oxana Fedorova released her music video "Все из-за тебя" (All Because of You) in 2011.^[70]

Music Awards[link]

• Oxana Fedorova and Nikolay Baskov won the "Duet of the Year" award at the 2010 ZD (Звуковая дорожка) Awards for their duet "Prava Lyubov" (Love is Right). The event was held at the Luzhniki Sports Palace in Moscow, Russia on April 15, 2010.^[71][72][73]
• Oxana Fedorova and Nikolay Baskov also received a "Золотой Граммофон" (Golden Gramophone) award for their duet "Права любовь" (Love is Right). The Golden Gramophone awards are Russia's top music awards. The ceremony was held at the State Kremlin Palace on December 4, 2010.^[74][75]

Debut Album[link]

• Oxana Fedorova's debut album is titled "На краю у любви" (On the Edge of Love) and was released in 2011.^[76]

Endorsements[link]

• Oxana Fedorova became the face of Max Factor-Russia in 2007.^[77]

• In March 2007, Oxana signed an endorsement deal with the Russian company, LUSIN.^[78]

• During the EURO 2008 Football Championship, hosted by Austria and Switzerland, Fedorova was an ambassador for Austrian tourism.^[79]

• In 2008 Oxana Fedorova became the face of the jewelry company Магия Золота (The Magic of Gold). She is also involved in jewelry design for the company.^[80]

• Oxana became the face of the Sony VAIO P series in Russia in April 2009. Due to her active and multifaceted lifestyle, she was considered an ideal match to promote the ultraportable computers.^[81]

• Oxana Fedorova & the "Spokoinoi Nochi, Malyshi" puppets appear in a TV commercial for "Flavamed" medication.^[82]

• In October 2009, Oxana began to star in TV commercials for the Golden Babylon Rostokino shopping and entertainment center in Moscow.^[83]

• Oxana Fedorova and Russian tenor Nikolay Baskov appear together in a 2010 TV commercial for "Золотая Чаша" (Zolotaya Chasha) tea.^[84]

• Fedorova begins to appear in advertisements for the Olay Total Effects skin care line in 2011.^[85]

• In 2011 Oxana Fedorova became the face of the Italian jewelry brand Cantamessa.^[86]

Modeling career[link]

Oxana Fedorova continues to model. She has walked the runway for top fashion designers like Tony Ward^[87] and Yulia Yanina.
At Rome Fashion Week "Alta Roma Alta Moda," in Rome, Italy in January 2008, Oxana was radiant wearing an exquisite Yulia Yanina creation.^[88]

In March 2008, Oxana modeled creations by Tasha Strogaya^[89] and Natalia Valevskaya^[90] at Fashion Week in Moscow F/W 2008–2009.

Oxana appeared on the catwalk at Russian Fashion Week in April 2008.^[91]

She modeled a Tony Ward design at the Millionaire Fair 2008 in Moscow. ^[92]

Fedorova modeled Anna Direchina creations at Milan Fashion Week F/W 2009-2010.^[93]

Oxana and other Russian stars modeled at the Iceberg S/S 2009 Fashion Show.^[94]

She modeled at the Elena Lenina by Suvenir Fashion Show in October 2009.^[95]

At Volvo Fashion Week in Moscow F/W 2009–2010, Oxana wore Ilya Shiyan and Yana Rudkovskaya creations.^[96]

Oxana Fedorova has modeled creations by Russian fashion designer Alexandra Serova at Volvo Fashion Week in Moscow S/S 2011,^[97] and Volvo Fashion Week in Moscow F/W 2011/2012^[98]

The Formula of Style Book[link]

• In October 2008, Oxana Fedorova released her first book, "Формула стиля." "The Formula of Style."

^[99] The book contains tips and advice on style and beauty. Autobiographical information and photos of Oxana also appear in the book.

Political Activity[link]

Shortly after returning to her country, Fedorova decided to become active in Russian politics. From 2003-2005, she participated in the election campaigns of the Russian Party of Life.^[100][101]

It is also of note that Fedorova was an agent for Sergey Mironov, leader of the Russian Party of Life, and Speaker of the Federation Council, the upper house of the Federal Assembly of Russia, during the 2004 presidential election.^[102]

Oxana became co-chairman of the Energy of Life youth movement for the Russian Party of Life in 2003.^[103]

Charity work[link]

Oxana Fedorova established the children's charitable foundation Спешите делать добро! (Hurry To Create Wonders!) in October 2009. The Ministry of Defense of Russia and the Russian Club of Orthodox Maecenases assisted in organizing the project. The foundation provides support to orphans and children who find themselves in difficult situations. Special attention is given to children whose parents were killed while serving the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the Russian Armed Forces. ^{[104][105][106]}

She has been involved in the children's charity program, "МИР БЕЗ СЛЕЗ" (World Without Tears) since 2004. The program is sponsored by Russia's VTB Bank.^[107]

Oxana Fedorova is on the Russia Board of Advisors for the Russian Children's Welfare Society (RCWS).^[108]

Fedorova has been representing UNICEF in Russia since May 2006. She became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for the Russian Federation on September 17, 2007.^{[109][110][111]}

In her capacity as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Oxana Fedorova has participated in various missions, including the joint UNICEF-Pampers "1 Pack = 1 Vaccine" tetanus campaign to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in September 2008,^[112][113] and to the country of Laos in December 2010.^[114] She has also taken part in the UNICEF Peace and Tolerance program in Dagestan, Russian Federation in July 2008 and 2009.^[115]

The joint UNICEF-Amway project "Улыбка ребенка" (The Child's Smile) is still another area of UNICEF activities which has received Oxana's support. Thanks to the project implementation, specially equipped play rooms and sensor rooms have been set up at social and medical facilities all over Russia. Children can visit such rooms where they can play, relax, learn something new and consult specialists in a comfortable environment conducive to easy-going communication.^[116]

In May 2009, Oxana Fedorova and two other Russian models, Svetlana Koroleva (Miss Russia and Miss Europe 2002), and Vera Krasova (Miss Russia Universe 2008) joined forces to record the single "Этот мир для детей" (This World for Children) to raise funds for children's charities.^[117]

Fedorova and other Miss Russia titleholders of recent years sang together at a concert to honor International Children's Day in Moscow on June 1, 2009.^[118][119]

In 2009, Oxana Fedorova was among several Russian celebrities who took part in the charity school program "Перекрёсток-школам" 2009 (Perekrestok Shkolam). The program aims to help improve the technical equipment of Russian schools. It is sponsored by Russia's X5 Retail Group N.V.^[120][121]

Russian Club of Orthodox Maecenases[link]

Oxana Fedorova is the face of the project, "The Measured Icon: Its History and Its Present" whose goal is to revive the ancient Russian tradition of the Baptismal Icon. Oxana has opened Measured Icon exhibitions in several cities, including Pskov, Ufa and Saint Petersburg, Russia; Prague, Czech Republic; Tallinn, Estonia; Paris, France; Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Belgrade, Serbia. The exhibitions are organized by the Russian Club of Orthodox Maecenases.^[122][123]

Protection of the Environment Campaign[link]

The protection of the environment is important to Fedorova. In 2008, she participated in a campaign to promote nature friendly products. "The Eco Box" line was a collaborative effort of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Luxury Products, New York company. A part of the proceeds were directed to a program to protect and preserve the National parks of Russia.^[124]

Editor in Chief MODA Topical Magazine[link]

In 2010 Oxana Fedorova became Editor in Chief of Russia's MODA Topical Magazine.^[125]

Personal life[link]

• Oxana Fedorova is a Russian Orthodox Christian.^[126]
• She is a shooting (Kalashnikov rifle) and martial arts expert.^[127][128]
• Oxana plays the guitar and the saxophone^[129][130]
• Fedorova loves animals, especially dogs and cats. One of her dogs is a Yorkshire Terrier named "Fatima".^[131]
• Oxana enjoys collecting national costume dolls.^[132]
• She has often told the media that she would like to be a mother. In August, 2007 she married Philip Toft, a German businessman, in Munich, Germany.^[133][134]
• Oxana Fedorova and Philip Toft officially divorced in April 2010. The parting of ways was reported to have been amicable.^{[135][136][137]}
• After her divorce, Oxana dated Russian tenor Nikolay Baskov. They broke up on friendly terms.^[138]
• In August 2011 Oxana Fedorova married 38 year old Andrey Mikhaylovich Borodin, an officer for the Presidential Administration of Russia.^[139][140]Andrey is also the vice president of the Russian Boxing Federation.^[141]
• On March 6, 2012, Oxana Fedorova gave birth to a baby boy in Moscow, Russia.^[142][143]
  The baby's name is Fyodor (Fedor).^[144]

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Oxana Fedorova

• Oxana Fedorova's Official Website
• Yahoo Chat Group for Oxana Fedorova
• UNICEF Russia information on Ms. Fedorova
• You Tube Channel dedicated to Oxana Fedorova
• Телеканал Россия 1 (TV Channel Rossiya 1)
• РТР-Планета (RTR Planeta TV Channel)
• Spokoinoi Nochi, Malyshi Official Website
• Oxana Fedorova at the Internet Movie Database

Awards and achievements
Preceded by Denise Quiñones	Miss Universe 2002	Succeeded by Justine Pasek
Preceded by Anna Kruglova	Miss Russia 2001	Succeeded by Svetlana Koroleva

Daniel Radcliffe
Radcliffe at Make Believe On Broadway, 23 November 2011
Born	Daniel Jacob Radcliffe (1989-07-23) 23 July 1989 (age 22) London, England
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1999–present

Daniel Jacob Radcliffe (born 23 July 1989) is an English film and stage actor who rose to prominence playing the title character in the Harry Potter film series.

Radcliffe made his acting debut at age ten in BBC One's 1999 television movie David Copperfield, followed by his film debut in 2001's The Tailor of Panama. At age eleven he was cast as the title character in the first Harry Potter film, and he starred in the series for ten years until the release of the eighth and final film in July 2011. He also began to branch out to stage acting in 2007, starring in the London and New York productions of the play Equus and in the 2011 Broadway revival of the musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. In addition, he starred in 2007's December Boys and the 2012 hit horror film The Woman in Black. He will play beat poet Allen Ginsberg in 2013 indie film Kill Your Darlings.

Radcliffe has contributed to many charities, including Demelza House Children's Hospice and The Trevor Project. He has also made public service announcements for the latter. In 2011, he was awarded the Trevor Project's "Hero Award".

Early life and education[link]

Radcliffe was born on 23 July 1989 in West London, England,^[1] the only child of Alan George Radcliffe, a literary agent, and Marcia Jeannine Gresham (née Marcia Gresham Jacobson), a casting agent who was involved in several films for the BBC, including The Inspector Lynley Mysteries and Walk Away And I Stumble.^[2][3] Radcliffe's mother is Jewish and a native of Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex;^[3][4] his father, originally from Northern Ireland, is Protestant.^[5] He was raised without religion.^[6] Radcliffe first expressed a desire to act at the age of five,^[7] and in December 1999, aged ten, he made his acting debut in the BBC One's televised two-part adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel David Copperfield, portraying the title character as a young boy.^[8]

Radcliffe was educated at two independent schools for boys:^[9] at Sussex House School, a day school in Cadogan Square in Chelsea in London,^[10] followed by the City of London School,^[11] a day school on the North Bank of the River Thames in London's financial district, known as the City of London.

Following the release of the first Harry Potter movie, attending school became hard for Radcliffe, with some fellow pupils becoming hostile. Radcliffe said it was people just trying to "have a crack at the kid that plays Harry Potter" rather than jealousy.^[12] As his acting career began to consume his schedule, Radcliffe continued his education through on-set tutors. He admitted he was not very good at school, considered it useless, and found the work to be "really, really difficult";^[9] however, he did achieve A grades in the three A-levels that he sat in 2006, but then decided to take a break from education and did not go to college or university.^[13] Part of the reason was that he already knew he wanted to act and write, and that it would be difficult to have a normal college experience. "The paparazzi, they’d love it," he told Details magazine in 2007. "If there were any parties going on, they’d be tipped off as to where they were".^[12]

Career[link]

[edit] Harry Potter

Radcliffe at the July 2009 premiere of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

In 2000 producer David Heyman asked Radcliffe to audition for the role of Harry Potter for the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the best-selling book by British author J. K. Rowling.^[14][15] Rowling had been searching for an unknown British actor to personify the character; however, Radcliffe's parents did not want him to audition for the role, as the contract required shooting all seven films in Los Angeles, California, and so they did not tell him.^[16] The movie's director Chris Columbus recalled thinking, "This is what I want. This is Harry Potter", after he saw a video of the young actor in David Copperfield.^[16] Eight months later, and after several auditions, Radcliffe was selected to play the part.^[17] Rowling also endorsed the selection saying, "I don't think Chris Columbus could have found a better Harry."^[18] Radcliffe's parents originally turned down the offer, as they had been told that it would involve six films shot in Los Angeles.^[19] Warner Bros. instead offered Radcliffe a two-movie contract with shooting in the UK though,^[16] when signing up, Radcliffe was unsure if he would do any more pictures.^[20]

The release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (released as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in the United States) took place in 2001. The story follows Harry, a young boy who learns he is a wizard and is sent to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to begin his education; gaining the help of friends Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) along the way. Radcliffe received a seven figure salary for the lead role, but asserted that the fee was "not that important" to him;^[21] his parents chose to invest the money for him.^[16] The film broke records for opening-day sales and opening-weekend takings, becoming the highest–grossing film of 2001. With a total of US$974 million in ticket sales, Philosopher's Stone stands as the second most commercially successful in the series behind Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, the final instalment.^[22] The adaptation was met with positive reviews and critics took notice of Radcliffe:^[23] "Radcliffe is the embodiment of every reader's imagination. It is wonderful to see a young hero who is so scholarly looking and filled with curiosity and who connects with very real emotions, from solemn intelligence and the delight of discovery to deep family longing," wrote Bob Graham of the San Francisco Chronicle.^[24]

Handprints, footprints and wand prints of (from left to right) Watson, Radcliffe, Grint.

A year later Radcliffe starred in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the second instalment of the series. Reviewers were positive about the lead actors' performances but had polarised opinions on the movie as a whole. Stephen Hunter of the Washington Post labelled it "big, dull and empty".^[25] Observing that Radcliffe and his peers had matured, Los Angeles Times's staff writer Kenneth Turan believed the novel's magic could not be successfully duplicated in the film.^[26] Nonetheless, it still managed to earn US$878 million, taking the second spot of the highest-grossing 2002 films worldwide behind The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.^[27]

The 2004 release Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was the third film in the series. While garnering the highest critical acclaim of the series at that point^[23] and grossing US$795.6 million worldwide, the film's performance at the box office ranks the lowest in the series.^[22] Radcliffe's performance was panned by New York Times journalist A. O. Scott, who wrote that Watson had to carry him with her performance.^[28] Next was Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in 2005. The film set records for a Harry Potter opening weekend, as well as for a non-May opening weekend in the US and in the UK.^[29] The film eventually grossed US$896 million worldwide, and the film was the second-highest grossing Harry Potter film at that point.^[30] In a 2005 interview, Radcliffe singled out the humour as being a reason for the movie's creative success.^[31]

Despite the success of the previous three movies, the future of the franchise was put into question when all three lead actors were unsure about signing on to continue their roles for the final two episodes; however, by 2 March 2007 Radcliffe had signed for the final films, which put an end to weeks of press "speculation that he would be denied the role due to his involvement in Equus".^[32] Radcliffe reprised his role for the fifth time in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007), which details Harry's return to Hogwarts after his encounter with Lord Voldemort in the previous film. It opened to positive responses from the press;^[23] IGN movie critic Steven Horn found Order of the Phoenix to be one of "those rare films that exceeds the source material"^[33] and Colin Bertram of New York's Daily News dubbed it the best movie in the series.^[34] Radcliffe stated that director David Yates and actress Imelda Staunton made Order of the Phoenix the "most fun" film in the series to work on.^[35] His performance earned several award nominations, and he received the 2008 National Movie Award for "Best Male Performance".^[36] As his fame and the series continued, Radcliffe, Grint and Watson left imprints of their hands, feet, and wands in front of Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.^[37]

In July 2009 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was released, the series' sixth instalment. The film did considerably better than the previous movie, breaking the then-record for biggest midnight US showings with US$22.2 million at 3,000 theatres,^[38] and was the biggest ever Wednesday-opening in the UK, with US$7.6 million at 1,305 screens.^[39] Half-Blood Prince achieved a total of US$933 million ticket sales^[22] and was one of the most positively reviewed of the series among film critics, who praised the film's "emotionally satisfying" story, direction, cinematography, visuals and music.^[40][41][42] Radcliffe received nominations for "Best Male Performance" and "Global Superstar" at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards.^[43]

Radcliffe, Watson and Grint at the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 premiere in London.

For financial and scripting reasons the last book was divided into two films, shot back to back,^[44][45] which drew criticism from the series' fanbase. Radcliffe defended the split, pointing out that it would have been impossible to properly adapt the final novel into a single film.^[46] He added that the last movie was going to be extremely fast-paced with a lot of action, while the first part would be far more sedate, focusing on character development; he added that, had they combined them, those things would not have made it to the final cut.^[47] Filming lasted for a year, concluding in June 2010 and on the last day of shooting, like most of the cast and crew, Radcliffe openly wept.^[48] Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010) was about Harry, Ron and Hermione leaving Hogwarts to track down Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes, objects Voldemort has left part of his soul inside. The film was released in November and grossed over US$950 million.^[22] Its most lucrative territory was the UK, where it reportedly had the highest-grossing three-day opening in history; while its earnings of US$205 million, in 91 markets, made it the highest ever top-grossing non-US opening for a non-summer picture, and "the fourth-biggest-grossing international opening ever".^[49] The movie received mostly favourable reviews in the media.^[23]

The final film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, was released worldwide starting on 13 July 2011 in Australia. The film concerns the battle against Voldemort's followers in Hogwarts, along with Harry's final climactic duel with Voldemort. Radcliffe, along with the film,^[23] was critically acclaimed: Ann Hornaday of The Washington Post asked, "Who could have predicted that Radcliffe, Grint and Watson would turn out to be good actors?";^[50] similarly, Rex Reed said: "Frankly, I’m sorry to see [Radcliffe] go";^[51] while Rolling Stone critic Peter Travers commented on Radcliffe: "Well played, sir."^[52] Among those who were less favourable, Roger Ebert said that Radcliffe, Grint and Watson were "upstaged by the supporting [actors]".^[53] The film broke several box office records, including biggest midnight release,^[54] biggest first-day opening,^[54] and biggest opening-weekend.^[55] Deathly Hallows – Part 2 is currently the third-highest grossing film in the world, and the highest-grossing non-James Cameron film, with more than US$1.3 billion worldwide.^[56] Radcliffe admitted that some people would never be able to separate him from the character, but also said he is "proud to be associated with this film series forever."^[57] Despite positive feelings about the movies, he has no interest in doing more Harry Potter films. After Rowling hinted about writing an eighth book, Radcliffe was asked if he would do another film to which he replied: "[It is] very doubtful. I think 10 years is a long time to spend with one character."^[58] Despite devoting so much time to the series, Radcliffe has asserted that he did not miss out on a childhood like other child actors: "I’ve been given a much better perspective on life by doing Potter."^[59]

2001–2009[link]

Radcliffe at December Boys premiere in 2007

Radcliffe made his film debut in The Tailor of Panama, an American 2001 film based on John le Carré's 1996 spy novel, and a moderate commercial success.^[22] In 2002 he made his stage debut as a celebrity guest in a West End theatre production of The Play What I Wrote, directed by Kenneth Branagh—who also appeared with him in the second Harry Potter film.^[8][60] In 2007 he appeared in the film December Boys, an Australian family drama about four orphans that was shot in 2005 and released to theatres in mid-September 2007.^[61] Also in 2007, Radcliffe co-starred with Carey Mulligan in My Boy Jack, a television drama film shown on ITV on Remembrance Day. The film received mostly positive reviews,^[62] with several critics praising Radcliffe's performance as an 18-year-old who goes missing in action during a battle.^[63][64][65] Radcliffe stated, "For many people my age, the First World War is just a topic in a history book. But I've always been fascinated by the subject and think it's as relevant today as it ever was."^[66]

Radcliffe in Theatre District, New York, 13 December 2008

At age 17, in a bid to show people he was not a kid any more,^[1] he performed onstage in Peter Shaffer's play Equus, which had not been revived since its first run in 1973, at the Gielgud Theatre.^[16] Radcliffe took on the lead role^[60] as Alan Strang, a stable boy who has an obsession with horses. Advance sales topped £1.7 million, and the role generated significant pre-opening media interest, as Radcliffe appeared in a nude scene.^[16][67] Equus opened on 27 February 2007 and ran until 9 June 2007.^[60] Radcliffe's performance received positive reviews^[68] as critics were impressed by the nuance and depth of his against-type role.^[69] Charles Spencer of The Daily Telegraph wrote that he "displays a dramatic power and an electrifying stage presence that marks a tremendous leap forward." He added: "I never thought I would find the diminutive (but perfectly formed) Radcliffe a sinister figure, but as Alan Strang ... there are moments when he seems genuinely scary in his rage and confusion."^[70] The production then transferred to Broadway in September 2008, with Radcliffe still in the lead role.^[71][72] Radcliffe stated he was nervous about repeating the role on Broadway because he considered American audiences more discerning than those in London.^[73] Radcliffe's performance was nominated for a Drama Desk Award.^[74]

2010–present[link]

After voicing a character in an episode of the animated television series The Simpsons in late 2010,^[75] Radcliffe debuted as J. Pierrepont Finch in the 2011 Broadway revival How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, a role previously held by Broadway veterans Robert Morse and Matthew Broderick.^[76] Other cast members included John Larroquette, Rose Hemingway and Mary Faber.^[77] Both the actor and production received favourable reviews,^[78] with USA Today commenting: "Radcliffe ultimately succeeds not by overshadowing his fellow cast members, but by working in conscientious harmony with them – and having a blast in the process."^[79] Radcliffe's performance in the show earned him Drama Desk Award, Drama League Award and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations.^[80][81][82] The production itself later received nine Tony Award nominations.^[83] Radcliffe left the show on 1 January 2012.^[84]

His first post-Harry Potter project was the 2012 horror film The Woman in Black, adapted from the 1983 novel by Susan Hill. The film was released on 3 February 2012 in the United States and Canada, and was released on 10 February in the UK. Radcliffe portrays a man sent to deal with the legal matters of a mysterious woman who has just died, and soon after he begins to experience strange events and hauntings from the ghost of a woman dressed in black.^[85] He has said he was "incredibly excited" to be part of the film and described the script as "beautifully written".^[86] Radcliffe's godson Mischa, the son of Thea Sharrock, who co-directed the revival of Equus with Radcliffe, portrayed Arthur's son in the film.^[87] Variety has confirmed Radcliffe will star in the indie comedy The Amateur Photographer, a film adaptation of the book of the same name, directed by Christopher Monger. Set in 1970, it follows a man (Radcliffe) who discovers his calling after being drafted by the residents of a small English mill town to serve as a photographer for their most personal moments.^[88]

He is set to portray Allen Ginsberg in the upcoming thriller drama Kill Your Darlings, directed by John Krokidas.^[89][90]

Personal life[link]

In 2008, Radcliffe revealed that he suffers from a mild form of the neurological disorder dyspraxia. The motor skill disorder sometimes gets so bad that he has trouble doing simple activities, such as writing or tying his own shoelaces. "I was having a hard time at school, in terms of being crap at everything, with no discernible talent," Radcliffe commented.^[91] In August 2010, he stopped drinking alcohol after finding himself becoming too reliant on it.^[92]

In 2012, Radcliffe stated, "I think of myself as being Jewish and Irish, despite the fact that I’m English."^[6] He has also said, "I'm an atheist, and a militant atheist when religion starts impacting on legislation",^[93] and that he is "very proud of being Jewish".^[94][95][96]

Radcliffe is a supporter of the Labour Party.^[97] Until 2012 Radcliffe had publicly supported the Liberal Democrats,^[98] and before the 2010 UK General Election Radcliffe endorsed Nick Clegg, the Lib Dem leader. In 2012, however, Radcliffe switched his allegiance to Labour, citing disappointment with the performance of Nick Clegg and the Lib Dems in government, and approving of the Labour leader, Ed Miliband.^[99] At the age of sixteen, Radcliffe became the youngest non-royal ever to have an individual portrait in Britain's National Portrait Gallery (NPG). On 13 April 2006 his portrait, drawn by Stuart Pearson Wright, was unveiled as part of a new exhibition opening at the Royal National Theatre; it was then moved to the NPG where it resides.^[100]

He is a fan of underground^[101] and punk rock music,^[102][103] and is a keen follower of cricket, including cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.^[104][105] Writing short stories and poetry is also a passion.^[106] In November 2007 Radcliffe published several poems under the pen name Jacob Gershon — a combination of his middle name and the Jewish version of his mother's maiden name Gresham — in Rubbish, an underground fashion magazine.^[96][106] He enjoys a close friendship with his fellow Harry Potter co-stars Tom Felton^[101] and Emma Watson,^[107] and is tight-knit with his family, whom he credits for keeping him grounded.^[108]

Radcliffe at the film premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 in Alice Tully Center, New York City in November 2010.

Speaking out against homophobia, Radcliffe began filming public service announcements in 2009 for The Trevor Project, promoting awareness of gay teen suicide prevention.^[109][110] He first learned of the organisation while working on Equus on Broadway in 2008^[110] and has contributed financially to it.^[111] "I have always hated anybody who is not tolerant of gay men or lesbians or bisexuals. Now I am in the very fortunate position where I can actually help or do something about it," he said in a 2010 interview. In the same interview, he spoke of the importance of public figures advocating for equal rights.^[110] Radcliffe considers his involvement to be one of the most important things in his career and,^[109] for his work for the organisation, he was given the "Hero Award" in 2011.^[109]

Radcliffe has supported various charities. He designed the Cu-Bed for Habitat's VIP Kids range (a cube made of eight smaller ones which can be made into a bed, chaise-longue or chair)^[112] with all the royalties from the sale of the bed going directly to his favourite charity, Demelza House Children's Hospice in Sittingbourne, Kent.^[113] Radcliffe has urged his fans to make donations, in lieu of Christmas presents to him, to the charity's Candle for Care program. In 2008 he was among several celebrities who donated their old glasses to an exhibit honouring victims of the Holocaust.^[114] During the Broadway run of Equus he auctioned off a pair of jeans he wore in the show for "thousands of dollars", as well as other items worn in the show, for the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS "a New York-based nonprofit HIV/AIDS grant-making organisation".^[115] He has also donated money to Get Connected UK, a London-based free confidential national helpline for troubled youth.^[116]

Sources disagree about Radcliffe's personal wealth; he was reported to have earned £1 million for the first Harry Potter film^[21] and around £15 million for the sixth.^[9] Radcliffe appeared on the Sunday Times Rich List in 2006, which estimated his personal fortune to be £14 million, making him one of the richest young people in the UK.^[117] In March 2009 he was ranked number one on the Forbes "Most Valuable Young Stars" list,^[118] and by April The Daily Telegraph measured his net worth at £30m, making him the 12th richest young person in the UK.^[119] Radcliffe was considered to be the richest teenager in England later that year.^[9] In February 2010 he was named the sixth highest paid Hollywood male star^[120] and placed at number five on Forbes's December list of Hollywood's highest-grossing actors^{[note 1]} with a revenue of US$780 million, mainly due to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows being released that year.^[121] Despite previous predictions that Radcliffe would have amassed £70m by the time the Harry Potter series concluded,^[119] the actor was reported to only have a wealth of £28.5 million in 2010. This still makes him richer than Princes William and Harry.^[122] Despite his wealth, Radcliffe has said he does not have expensive tastes and that his main expense is buying books: "I read a lot."^[123] He also stated that money would never be the focus of his life.^[9]

In January 2012, Radcliffe said he was in a relationship with production assistant Rosie Coker.^[124]

Filmography[link]

Film[link]

Television[link]

Theatre[link]