Daniel Radcliffe

Then cast in 2001’s “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” Radcliffe, 21, had the future of the “Harry Potter” empire resting on his young shoulders. Much like “The Boy Who Lived,” he had to quickly come to terms with his future in the wizarding world.

But Radcliffe, to the relief of fans, was the perfect Potter. Although Radcliffe grew up before our eyes in the role that has defined his young career, he also has appeared on both stage and screen in other ventures. In 2007, Radcliffe made headlines when starring in a critically acclaimed London West End production of “Equus,” which required him to appear nude in one scene. Also in 2007 he starred in the Australian “December Boys” and a TV movie, “My Boy Jack.”

After shooting the final “Harry Potter” movie, he starred in a thriller to be released next year, “The Woman in Black.” Currently, he’s performing on Broadway in “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” a revival of the 1961 musical.

¯¯¯
Kim Ossi, McClatchy Newspapers

Emma Watson

The 21-year-old actress, who played know-it-all Hermione Granger, is the first of the “Harry Potter” actors to shake off the persona that made her famous.

Despite being one of the highest paid actresses in the world, Watson attended Brown University as a literature major until dropping out recently, due to work commitments. According to published reports, she plans to transfer to another university in the fall to pursue a different major.

In the meantime, she is filming “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” with Paul Rudd and Logan Lerman. She recently wrapped work on “My Week with Marilyn,” co-starring Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe and Kenneth Branagh as Laurence Olivier.

Watson also has become a much-sought-after fashion model, admired for her style.

And she’s collaborating with Alberta Ferretti on an eco-friendly fashion line called Pure Threads, according to Vogue magazine.

¯¯¯
Merri Leininger, McClatchy Newspapers

Rupert Grint

Grint, 22, who played Ron Weasley, has wrapped shooting in Norway on “Comrade,” in which he stars as English pilot Richard Partridge. The story is based on accounts from Partridge and German pilot Horst Schopis about what happened when the two pilots shot each other down on April 27, 1940. For several days, the enemies sought shelter together in a mountain cabin.

He’s also attached to “Eddie the Eagle,” a comedy about England’s first ski jumper to enter the winter Olympics, a horror film called “Cross Country,” and another war film, “Wartime Wanderers,” in which members of an entire football team enlist together in 1939 after being inspired by their coach’s speech.

¯¯¯
Merri Leininger, McClatchy Newspapers