Daniel Radcliffe, the beloved Harry Potter star, had a particularly memorable Father’s Day this year. At the 2024 Tony Awards on June 16, Radcliffe shared an exclusive update with PEOPLE about his toddler son, whom he shares with his longtime partner, Erin Darke.
Radcliffe, 34, couldn’t help but gush about his son. “He’s great,” Radcliffe said. “He’s talking and saying, you know, nonsense, but very, very charming nonsense.”
The couple welcomed their son in April 2023, and Radcliffe was celebrating both his Tony nomination and his second Father’s Day at the awards. However, due to his demanding Broadway schedule, he admitted he didn’t get to spend much time with his son on the actual holiday.
“I’m going to be doing most of my celebrating of Father’s Day tomorrow,” Radcliffe explained. “I saw him in the morning, then went to [Tonys] rehearsal, and then went back and saw him again. And then I had a matinee today, so I haven’t done a ton of hanging out with my son on Father’s Day, but I will be doing that tomorrow, and I’m very excited about it.”
Last summer, during the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, Radcliffe, Darke, and their son were seen on the picket lines in New York, showing their support for the cause.
Radcliffe is nominated for best performance by an actor in a featured role in a musical for his role in the revival of “Merrily We Roll Along” as Charley Kringas. His co-stars, Jonathan Groff and Lindsay Mendez, are also nominated at the awards show.
This marks Radcliffe’s first Tony nomination, although it is his fifth time on Broadway, following roles in shows like “Equus” and “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”
Radcliffe’s journey to “Merrily We Roll Along” began in 2013 when he saw a production of the Stephen Sondheim show, directed by Maria Friedman. “I had seen it and loved it,” he recalled. “So when Maria approached me about playing Charley, I remembered sitting in the audience when I saw it in London and saying, ‘Oh, my God, the “Franklin Shepherd Inc.” song, That is just incredible. I would love to have a go at that one day.'”
“And then I was given the opportunity to, so I was very, very excited,” he added.
Radcliffe also spoke about his “incredible” son in an October interview on “Today with Hoda & Jenna.” “It’s awesome,” he said of fatherhood. “I think I’ve been, really, I think a lot of people said, ‘Just get through the first six months and after that it gets better.’ But I’ve kind of really enjoyed the first six months.”
When host Hoda Kotb asked if fatherhood was what he imagined, Radcliffe responded, “I don’t know what I imagined, honestly. But it’s great. He’s incredible and I’m just in awe of my partner.”
Radcliffe’s candid and heartfelt remarks about his son and fatherhood have endeared him even more to his fans. His ability to balance a demanding career with the joys and challenges of parenthood is truly admirable.
As Radcliffe continues to charm audiences on and off the stage, his son’s “very charming nonsense” is sure to bring even more joy and laughter into his life. And while Radcliffe may not have spent much time with his son on Father’s Day, his excitement for the future moments they will share is palpable.
In the world of entertainment, where schedules can be grueling and time with family can be scarce, Radcliffe’s dedication to his son and his craft is a testament to his character. His journey as a father and an actor is one that continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
