Richard Harris. Information on the actor who played Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films, including a brief biography

Richard Harris

Was a pretty good rugby player in his day until tuberculosis ended his ambition of becoming a professional. Still remembered in Limerick City for his tackling ability. While still a student, he rented the tiny "off-West End" Irving Theatre in London, and directed his own production of Odets' "Winter Journey (The Country Girl)". The critics approved, but the production used up all his savings, and he was forced to sleep in a coal cellar for six weeks. Made the Billboard Singles Charts on six occasions: "MacArthur Park" hit #2 and "The Yard Went On Forever" hit #64, both in 1968; "Didn't We" hit #63 in 1969; "My Boy" hit #41 and "There Are Too Many Saviors on My Cross" hit #107, both in 1972; and "I Don't Want to Tell You" hit #106 in 1973. Harris, Peter O'Toole and Richard Burton were drinking buddies in the early 1970s till Burton's Death. Harris was a guest professor, teaching Theatre Arts courses at the University Of Scranton in the mid 1980s. Was Knighted By Denmark in 1985. Received an Honorary Doctorate from University Of Scranton (1987). Only agreed to take the part of Albus Dumbledor in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) after his then 11-year-old granddaughter

Richard Harris Pictures - Images throughout Harris' career