Daniel Radcliffe, the Harry Potter actor, received a star in Hollywood Walk of Fame 

British actor Daniel Radcliffe, who was just 11 when he first played the young wizard in the film adaptations of the hit book series that rocketed to fame in the Harry Potter films, said Thursday he was "in awe" as he got his star in Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of the Dolby Theathre on Hollywood Boulevard where the Oscars are held.

"A few months ago, I was walking along here with a couple of friends and just becoming sort of in awe and slightly overwhelmed by the names I was going to be joining," said the 26-year-old, who was presented with the 2,565th star.

"Growing up in England, when you hear the word Hollywood, right after you picture the sign on the hill, you picture these stars. It feels a very long way from when you grow up in Fulham to this."

"There have been many very, very, very good days in my life and there have been a few much less good days but regardless of what kind of day I was having I was always lucky because there was always a film to make and a film set to go to and a crew of people waiting to make it with me.

Radcliffe was cheered on by hundreds of fans, many wearing Hogwarts scarves despite the Los Angeles heat. Radcliffe said: "Thank you for this star. It is incredibly surreal and still slightly overwhelming and hasn't really sunk in yet.

Daniel Radcliffe ended his speech with an emotional tribute to his parents  Alan and Marcia, who were seated in front row, for getting him through as he unveiled his star on the Walk of Fame, saying "I never thank them and I'm not going to look at them because that would be a mistake for all of us. I want to thank my mum and dad, who really do not like this kind of attention so will probably be getting embarrassed right now.

"I have to thank them because you are the best parents. It was a crazy thing that we embarked on as a family sixteen years ago but we made it and I made it thanks to you."

Radcliffe, is moving on to more adult roles, was in Los Angeles to promote his new movie Victor Frankenstein which goes on release in North America on November 25.

In the film, he plays assistant Igor to the mad scientist obsessed with creating life, portrayed by James McAvoy.

Radcliffe is one of the rare child stars to have successfully maintained his career as he moved into adulthood.

He has starred in a number of films since finishing up as Potter, including The Woman in Black and Kill Your Darlings. He also had a cameo in this year's comedy hit Trainwreck.