Gary Oldman is nothing short of a legend and is widely recognized for his significant contributions to the Harry Potter series, the Batman franchise, and various other beloved cult classics and blockbuster films.
During a recent chat with Drew Barrymore on her talk show, the actor disclosed that both Harry Potter and Batman arrived during a very challenging period in his life and practically saved him. Despite forming a deep bond with Daniel Radcliffe on set, Oldman confessed that he only pursued it as a means to stay afloat during that particular time.
Gary Oldman Admits He Did Harry Potter Only to Stay Afloat
In a gutwrenching and heartfelt discussion on The Drew Barrymore Show, Gary Oldman revealed how the Harry Potter films became his lifeline, rescuing him during the challenging period of single-handedly raising two kids after his divorce.
Following his divorce in 2001, the actor deliberately declined numerous work opportunities to prioritize spending time with his children. However, when presented with roles in the Harry Potter series and The Dark Knight trilogy, that is when Oldman really found a balance. Those films allowed him to earn significantly while still being present for his kids at home.
He revealed to Drew Barrymore,
“At 42 years old, I woke up divorced and I had custody of these boys and so that in itself was hard because there was a shift in the industry where a lot of productions were being [filmed in] Hungary, Budapest, Prague, Australia, you know, all of these places… Thank God for Harry Potter. I tell you, the two — Batman and Harry Potter — really they saved me, because it meant that I could do the least amount of work for the most amount of money and then be home with the kids.”
While he chuckled while mentioning the financial aspect of the films, he conveyed profound appreciation for the opportunities that allowed him to not only care for and be present with his children but also passionately pursue his craft.
Also Read: The Dark Knight Killed Heath Ledger But Saved 1 Actor From Depression
Gary Oldman and Daniel Radcliffe Forged a Close Bond While Filming Harry Potter
Although he initially joined the movies to stay afloat, as he mentioned in a conversation with Drew Barrymore, Harry Potter quickly became a second family to the actor, and Daniel Radcliffe, in particular, became like a son to him. They grew extremely close, mirroring their on-screen bond from the movies and the books. The two truly embodied their on-screen relationship, in real life, as well.
A fellow co-star Tom Felton also delved deep into their relationship in his book Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard stating,
“Just as Sirius became a father figure to Harry, I had the sense that Gary became something of an inspiration for Daniel, helping him to navigate the tricky path of growing up in the spotlight as well as hone his acting skills…They seemed to me to share a very similar sense of humor and approach to the other cast and crew. I think some of us — myself included — were a bit jealous of that bond…We could see that, in part thanks to Gary’s influence, Dan was really starting to learn the craft better than any of us. Who better to have on your side in that respect than Gary Oldman?”
Oldman’s guidance and mentorship were notably reflected in Radcliffe’s craft as well. He significantly inspired Daniel Radcliffe and mentored him, shaping him into the actor people recognize and admire today.
