Here they are – the three most famous children in the world. Three little Britons who play the leading parts in the film "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone". Daniel Radcliffe (11) ist the boy wizard, Emma Watson (10) his best friend Hermione, Rupert Grint (12) is Harry's sidekick Ron Weasley. After the gala premiere in London they had to face up to the world press: 80 journalists, arrived from Australia to Mexico and Japan to Russia. Flashlight storm, questions over questions. Their first press conference. In front of each a microphone and a slip of paper with their names. How did they react? I sat close enough to take a close look.

Daniel in a sunny-yellow sweater seemed to be a bit nervous but highly concentrated. He plucked his hair, ears, leaned deeply over the table to hear answers of others better. Moves, talks as if the hype wouldn't bother him, stays natural. He loves to listen, laughs heartily if he likes a sentence. No airs and graces even thouhg he already is a super star with his Tom-Cruise-charisma. By the way: No sign of change of voice.

His Before-Harry-Life: His parents are artist's agents and disapproved that he adopts the part. His first part was "David Copperfield" (british TV film) then a short appearance in 'The Tailor of Panama". He likes football and Formula 1. He claims: "My life has changed for the better now, I don't have to go to a normal school anymore".

Most difficult scene? "In front of the mirror Erised" (which shows the deepest heart's desire). Harry sees his parents who he never lived to see. He has to be everything at once: "sad, mad, curious". Idol? "Bart Simpson. And Sting." Dream? "Being as happy as I am right now for the rest of my life."

Emma – every inch a lady and at the same time full of sputtering temper. Back straight, hands folded on the table. She adjusted the microphone, spoke loud and clearly. Can't she come up with an answer she uses – knowingly coquettish – her adorable Julia-Roberts-smile. The two boys next to her she's only noticing up to a point because she has as much a high opinion of herself in real life as she has in her screen role. Her Before-Hermione-Life: Went to school in France, appeared in school plays, won the first prize at the "Poem-Recite-Competition". She says: "I'm trying now to live a normal life and besides my family still treats me normal."

Most difficult scene? Actually they were all the same. I found the one with the troll rather funny." Idol? "Big actresses…." Dream? "To become very happy."

Rupert acted the clown. Sat still and and nearly motionless, answered most questions with a "hmmmm", however only after a long time for consideration. That came across unsure at the beginning but soon it was obvious that this was a game. His communication game. As if he knew that the one who remains silent awakes durable curiosity. So that one, and only in his case, wonders: do the kids here too play a role which they have rehearsed before? Does he already have an image consultant? His Before-Ron-Life: He's got four younger siblings, appeared regularly in school plays. He claims: "Everything in my life is as it was before."

Most difficult scene? "The chess game with living figures, he was a knight, had to fall off the horse, everywhere was dust…." Idol? "Hmm.. hmm." Dream? "Hmm….. a sweets mountain that never gets smaller."

Three stars – but mainly three kids. Once can tell by the fact that all three constantly play around with their name-tags. What's this telling us about them? About their structur of character? About their future – will they cope with their fame?

[DANA HORÁKOVÁ || BILD, Nov 2001 || Courtesy of DR.com]