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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Out of the chamber of secrets

Radcliffe
Michael Kuchwara Associated Press

Daniel Radcliffe has just filmed a public service announcement for The Trevor Project, an organization focusing on suicide prevention efforts among gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered youth.

Because his parents were both actors, “I grew up knowing a lot of gay men and it was never something that I even thought twice about – that some men were gay and some weren’t,” the “Harry Potter” megastar says.

“And then I went to school and the first time, I came across homophobia. … It shocked me.

“I have always hated anybody who is not tolerant of gay men or lesbians or bisexuals,” added Radcliffe, 20. “Now I am in the very fortunate position where I can actually help or do something about it.”

The result is a PSA that was filmed Friday and is scheduled to air sometime this spring.

Radcliffe first became aware of The Trevor Project, founded in 1998 by three filmmakers, while he was appearing on Broadway in the 2008 revival of “Equus.”

Their movie, “Trevor,” which won an Academy Award for best short film, concerned a gay teen who attempts suicide. The Trevor Project allows young people to call in for counseling or just to talk.

“I’ve always felt very lucky to have the life that I’ve had. I never had to cope with anything serious about my religion or sexual orientation or anything like that,” Radcliffe said.

“The fact that I am straight makes not a difference, but it shows that straight people are incredibly interested and care a lot about this as well.”

The birthday bunch

Singer Harry Belafonte is 83. Actor Robert Conrad is 75. Singer Roger Daltrey is 66. Actor Alan Thicke is 63. Actor-director Ron Howard is 56. Actress Catherine Bach is 56. Actor Tim Daly is 54. Actor George Eads (“CSI”) is 43. Actor Javier Bardem is 41. Actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar is 36. “Blues Clues” host Donovan Patton is 32.