Daniel Radcliffe Opens Up About Panic Over ‘Harry Potter’ Leading to Alcoholism

The actor says the "panic and not knowing what to do next" after his time as Harry Potter wrapped up played a dangerous role in fueling his alcohol addiction.

Daniel Radcliffe has been outspoken about his battle against alcohol addiction throughout much of his adult career, but the actor opened up more honestly in a recent BBC Radio 4 interview (via The Independent) about the connection between his addiction and his role in the “Harry Potter” film franchise. Radcliffe played the boy wizard in eight feature films between 2001 and 2011. The now 30-year-old actor has been sober since 2010, a year before the “Harry Potter” franchise came to an end with the release of “Deathly Hallows Part 2.” Radcliffe says the uncertainty that came with the “Harry Potter” franchise ending dangerously contributed to his alcoholism.

“If I went out and if I got drunk, I’d suddenly be aware of there being interest in that because it’s not just a drunk guy, it’s ‘Oh, Harry Potter’s getting drunk in the bar,'” Radcliffe said, adding that his role as Harry Potter “carried some kind of interest for people and also a slightly mocking interest. It’s inherently funny for people.