Actress Jamie Lee Curtis fondly recalls her experience working with Daniel Radcliffe, her former onscreen son, during the filming of The Tailor of Panama in 2001. Curtis recently appeared on the Today show to promote her new series Scarpetta and welcomed Radcliffe, who was preparing to discuss his show The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins and Broadway play Every Brilliant Thing, onto the set. The two shared a warm reunion that revealed their early connection when Curtis played his mother in the film. This memorable moment highlighted Curtis’s enduring admiration for Radcliffe as an artist and a person.
The Story Behind Their Onscreen Relationship
Host Hoda Kotb sparked curiosity by mentioning the backstage hug between Curtis and Radcliffe, prompting a discussion about their shared history. Curtis asked Radcliffe to recall his age during the movie, to which he replied, “Ten.” She described how he had a fake tan on set to blend into the Panama setting, which prevented him from swimming with the other children.
I haven’t seen Daniel since he was… how old were you?
Jamie Lee Curtis
And he had a fake tan because he was very pale, and we were supposed to be in Panama,
Jamie Lee Curtis
All the kids were in the pool. He couldn’t go in the pool because he had a fake tan,
Jamie Lee Curtis
And I remember he was sitting by the pool and I looked up at him at one point and I went, ‘Wait, you know, you look like that kid who is on the cover of that book!’
Jamie Lee Curtis
This “kid on the cover” was of course a reference to Radcliffe’s emerging role as Harry Potter, though at that time Radcliffe himself had not yet fully grasped the significance of the casting. Director Chris Columbus had likely already identified him as a leading contender for the film adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s famed series.
Early Awareness of Radcliffe’s Future Fame
Curtis recalled the quiet confidence surrounding Radcliffe’s upcoming role. Radcliffe shared more context about the casting process, revealing that his mother—who worked as a casting director—knew about the opportunity before he did and advised against mentioning it prematurely. At the time, committing to the Harry Potter films was a major step, with contracts spanning seven movies.
His mom was a casting director, and she was like, ‘Yes, they already called us,’ and it was too big of a… what was it, was it too big of a commitment?
Jamie Lee Curtis
It was, at that point, to sign for seven films. I don’t think I knew about it at this point. I think my mom was probably like, ‘No no no, don’t mention it to him!’
Daniel Radcliffe
Jamie Lee Curtis Expresses Admiration for Radcliffe’s Growth
Curtis continued to praise Radcliffe for his dedication to his craft, comparing him to actress Michelle Williams, known for her versatile performances on television and stage. Having worked with Williams herself in 1998’s Halloween H20: 20 Years Later, Curtis’s compliments extended to both individuals for their commitment to evolving as artists beyond their early fame.
And since then, he’s not only done that, but now he’s doing this work, and so he reminds me of Michelle Williams — people who are committed to the art of what they do. She was on ‘Dawson’s Creek,’ now she’s in that fantastic show, ‘Dying for Sex,’ on Broadway, singing, dancing, doing monologues, doing something very important.
Jamie Lee Curtis
Warm Exchange on the Today Show Sets a Hopeful Tone
During the show, Kotb affectionately noted that this was Curtis’s segment, acknowledging that Radcliffe had his own coming up, where he would discuss his projects. Radcliffe, touched by the conversation, urged viewers to watch Curtis’s show with enthusiasm.
Can I just say something about Jamie? This was Jamie’s segment. You have one coming up,
Hoda Kotb
I know, talk about your show!
Daniel Radcliffe
Before concluding, Curtis embraced both the Today show host and Radcliffe, extending heartfelt support towards the show’s family, which has been enduring a difficult time following the unresolved disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mother.
We are with all of you.
Jamie Lee Curtis
Final Moments Highlight Genuine Affection
The segment closed with Curtis placing a tender kiss on Radcliffe’s head, embodying the affectionate “bubbe” spirit she displayed throughout the conversation. This intimate gesture and the genuine warmth shared between former onscreen mother and son underscored the deep respect and mutual admiration they hold for one another as they continue to flourish in their careers.
