Believe it or not, Harry Potter is an alcoholic. Or at least he was an alcoholic. Actor Daniel Radcliffe, who has played the world’s most well known wizard in every Harry Potter film to date, has recently opened up to GQ, telling them that at age 18 he became very dependent on alcohol.
“I became so reliant on alcohol to enjoy stuff. There were a few years there when I was just so enamoured with the idea of living some sort of famous persons lifestyle that really isn’t suited to me. I really got away with that because there were many instances when a paparazzi shot like that could have been taken,” said Radcliffe.
While once problematic for the young actor, Radcliffe has been able to control his problem and cut alcohol out of his life.
“I’m actually enjoying the fact I can have a relationship with my girlfriend where I’m really pleasant and I’m not f***ing up totally all the time,” he continued.
“As much as I would love to be a person that goes to parties and has a couple of drinks and has a nice time, that doesn’t work for me. I do that very unsuccessfully. I’d just rather sit at home and read, or talk to somebody that makes me laugh. There’s no shame in enjoying the quiet life. And that’s been the realisation of the past few years for me.”
Admittedly, I was a bit shocked to hear this. Daniel Radcliffe doesn’t really seem like the type. Then again, do you really blame him? He had an enormous amount of fame and money thrust upon him from a very young age, it would be hard not to get caught up in that lifestyle.
That being said, it’s good to hear that Radcliffe has put his problem behind him, hopefully he’ll find success in his post-Potter days.