Jamie Lee Curtis: From 'Scream Queen' to Proud 'Mother' of Daniel Radcliffe

A Reunion Like No Other

It's one of those heart-warming stories. Jamie Lee Curtis, the icon of the horror genre, and Daniel Radcliffe, the world-famous Harry Potter—they recently reunited. Not on a film set, but on social media and in interviews, where Curtis couldn't find enough praise for her former on-screen son. In the film The Tailor of Panama (2001), she played his mother, long before Radcliffe learned his magical skills at Hogwarts. "He was such a smart, humble boy," Curtis recently gushed. "And today, he's a wonderful man and a fantastic actor."

This maternal care isn't a new role for the 67-year-old. Although she has two daughters of her own, she seems to share a special connection with Radcliffe. In one interview, she once joked that playing a Jewish mother in The Tailor of Panama made her an "honorary Jewish mother." And when she looks at Radcliffe's career today, she does so with the same pride that Jewish mothers have for their children—just without the famous pot of chicken soup.

From Scream Queen to Children's Author

But Jamie Lee Curtis is, of course, much more than just the proud "mother" of Daniel Radcliffe. Her career is a reflection of the last 50 years of film history. In the late 70s, she made history with John Carpenter's Halloween and became the ultimate Scream Queen. Generations of viewers held their breath as she fought against masked killers. But Curtis refused to be put in a box. She showcased her comedic talent in films like True Lies alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and delighted kids and parents in Freaky Friday with Lindsay Lohan.

What many don't know: Jamie Lee Curtis is also a successful author. She has written several children's books, including the bestseller Today I Feel Silly & Other Moods That Make My Day. In it, she helps children understand their feelings—a passion project just as important to her as any film role. For those wanting to learn more about her impressive career, a look at David Grove's biography, Jamie Lee Curtis: Scream Queen, American Mother, is a must. The book paints a picture of a woman who has always stayed true to herself, whether in a horror film, a comedy, or in real life.

• Halloween (1978) – The classic that started it all.
• True Lies (1994) – An action-packed spy comedy.
• Freaky Friday (2003) – A body-swap fun for the whole family.
• Today I Feel Silly (1998) – Her first children's book.
• Sharp Force (2022) – An action thriller where she proves she's still a fighter.

And then there's Sharp Force, a 2022 action thriller that shows Curtis, even in her 60s, has no fear of tough roles. With a stoic expression and a toned physique, she fights her way through a conspiracy—very much the old "Scream Queen," only more mature and even more impressive.

Jamie Lee Curtis is and remains an institution in Hollywood. The fact that amidst all the fame and success, she still finds time to care for her former colleagues like a mother makes her all the more endearing. And if Daniel Radcliffe ever accepts an award someday, we can be sure Jamie Lee Curtis will be right there in the front row, applauding—with the smile of a proud mother.