NEWSProducer Talks Daniel Radcliffe's Tony Snub
June 13 2011, Published 2:27 p.m. ET
Neil Meron, producer of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, may not be a household name but he chatted with reporters at the Tony's about one of his stars who is: Daniel Radcliffe. Although the Harry Potter star didn't get nominated, it sounds like he already won based on the producer's admiration and respect for him.
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Neil told OK!, "My business partner and I were the ones that talked Dan into doing this show. He always wanted to do a Broadway musical and we've been talking for a couple of years about which one it should be so we settle on this." He added, "His dream was to star in a Broadway musical and we thought the perfect role for him would be Finch and it works, it really does fit him."
So, what is Dan really like back stage? Neil told OK!, "He's articulate and he's smartest, kindest, giving person we've ever worked with. And at 21 he's a young man that has everything."
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Despite all of the praise, at the end of the day he didn't get nominated for a coveted Tony. Neil told reporters it "could be a snub" or perhaps there were "too many viable people for that category. Who knows?" What he did know is that Dan should be there. "So I can only go with my personal reaction and I felt he was denied the recognition he really deserves."
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Even on the day nominations came out, he was more concerned with how the producers felt. "He felt that we would be more upset then him-that may be true."
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Let's not forget, the actor is 21 years-old! Sounds like he finds time for everything, acting, relationships, the works. Neil explained, "He finds time. He's a very smart guy and budgets his time. He finds time to rest and make time for people. He's not a party guy he doesn't really go out to clubs afterwards. He finds time to do what's important to him."
That includes Emma Watson when she comes to New York. In fact, Neil would love to have her in a play! "That would be a dream, I'd love it! Having anybody associated with that is a producers dream."
Reporting by Darla Murray
