Just A Minute With: Actor Daniel Radcliffe

By Michelle Nichols

NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) - When British actor Daniel Radcliffe turned 18 in July he gained access to a reported $40 million, but instead of lashing out on a flash car his biggest extravagance so far has been -- a painting.

The well-mannered actor has earned his fortune playing boy wizard Harry Potter and will shortly begin filming the sixth film in the seven part series.

For his first major film role outside the Potter series he played an Australian orphan in "December Boys," which opens in Britain and the United States on Friday.

He spoke to Reuters about his life off-screen:

Q: What do you do to relax?

A: "I watch cricket, although that can be a very tense experience when you are an England fan. I hang out with friends. I read or sometimes I write, poems mainly."

Q: What have been the biggest influences on your career?

A: "My best friend Will who's 41 and has two children. He's been a massive influence and inspiration to me because he's just a great guy. He's my dresser on Harry Potter, he looks after all the costumes for me.