EQUUS Star Radcliffe Speaks Out Against Homophobia

Last seen on the boards in EQUUS and reportedly headed back to Broadway in a revival of HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, actor Daniel Radcliffe is speaking out against homophobia by a taping a public service announcement for gay suicide prevention, reports RadarOnline.com.

"I have always hated anybody who is not tolerant of gay men or lesbians or bisexuals," said Radcliffe in RadarOnline.com. "Now I am in the very fortunate position where I can actually help or do something about it."

"I grew up knowing a lot of gay men and it was never something that I even thought twice about - that some men were gay and some weren't. And then I went to school and (for) the first time ... I came across homophobia. ... I had never encountered it before. It shocked me."

Radcliffe also spoke of the importance of public figures to advocate for equal rights. "I think it's important for somebody from a big, commercial movie series like Harry Potter and particularly because I am not gay or bisexual or transgendered. ... The fact that I am straight makes not a difference, but it shows that straight people are incredibly interested and care a lot about this as well."

RadarOnline also reports that following the tape of the PSA on Friday, Radcliffe took a tour of the New York Call Center for the Trevor Project, a suicide prevention organization for gay and questioning youth.

Daniel Radcliffe is best known for playing the title role in all five of the "Harry Potter" films to date, and will star again in the remaining titles. He recently made his Broadway debut, to much acclaim, in EQUUS. EQUUS also starred Richard Griffiths, with whom Daniel appeared in the highly successful production of the play in London's West End and in the Harry Potter films as well. Radcliffe won BroadwayWorld.com 's 2009 Theatre Fans' Choice Award for Best Leading Actor in a Play for his role in EQUUS. Radcliffe recently took part in a reading of 'How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying' on December 21 at Playwrights Horizons.

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