Actor Profile: Richard Harris

By Webmaster

  • Actor Profile: Richard Harris

    Richard Harris was an Irish actor and singer whose career spanned five decades, leaving an indelible mark on both stage and screen. Renowned for his powerful performances and charismatic presence, Harris’s journey from a small-town boy in Limerick to international stardom is a testament to his talent and dedication.

    Early Life and Education

    Born on October 1, 1930, in Limerick, Ireland, Richard St John Francis Harris was the son of a farmer. He attended a Jesuit college, where he initially excelled in rugby. However, a bout of tuberculosis forced him to abandon his athletic aspirations. Undeterred, Harris pursued a passion for the arts, enrolling at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) to study acting.

    Career Beginnings

    Harris’s professional debut came in 1958 with a television appearance in “The Iron Harp.” The following year, he transitioned to film, marking the beginning of a prolific career. In 1959, he starred alongside Gary Cooper in “They Came to Cordura,” and in 1961, he had a supporting role in “The Guns of Navarone” alongside Gregory Peck.

    Rise to Prominence

    Harris’s breakout role came in 1963 with “This Sporting Life,” where he portrayed a working-class rugby player. His performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival.

    Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Harris became known for his versatility, taking on roles in various genres. He appeared in Michelangelo Antonioni’s “Red Desert” (1964) alongside Monica Vitti, the Western “Major Dundee” (1965) with Charlton Heston, and “Camelot” (1967), where he played King Arthur opposite Vanessa Redgrave’s Guenevere.

    Musical Endeavors

    Beyond acting, Harris was also a talented singer. In 1968, he released “A Tramp Shining,” an album featuring the hit single “MacArthur Park,” which sold over a million copies. He also showcased his singing abilities in the film adaptation of “Camelot,” where he performed the role of King Arthur.

    Later Career

    In the 1980s, Harris’s film appearances became less frequent, but he made a significant comeback in the 1990s with roles in “The Field” (1990), “The Last of the Mohicans” (1992), and “Unforgiven” (1992), where he played English Bob. In 2000, he portrayed Emperor Marcus Aurelius in “Gladiator,” a role that earned him a posthumous Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

    Role as Albus Dumbledore

    Harris’s final and perhaps most beloved role was that of Professor Albus Dumbledore in the first two “Harry Potter” films: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (2001) and “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” (2002). He took on the role after his granddaughter threatened to never speak to him again if he didn’t.

    Personal Life

    Harris was married twice and had three sons—Damian, Jared, and Jamie—with his first wife, Elizabeth Rees-Williams. His second marriage was to actress Ann Turkel. Known for his charismatic and sometimes rebellious personality, Harris was part of a generation of actors, including Richard Burton and Peter O’Toole, who were famed for their hard-living lifestyles.

    Death and Legacy

    Richard Harris passed away on October 25, 2002, at the age of 72, due to Hodgkin’s disease. Despite his illness, he continued to work, completing his role as Dumbledore shortly before his death. His portrayal of Dumbledore was succeeded by Michael Gambon in later films.

    Harris’s legacy as a talented actor and singer endures. His diverse body of work continues to be celebrated, and his influence can be seen in the performances of many actors who followed in his footsteps.

    Notable Quotes

    • “I don’t want to be a star. I want to be an actor.”

    • “I have a great belief in the theatre. It’s the only place where you can really express yourself.”

    • “I think the most important thing in life is to be happy.”

    • “I have no interest in being a celebrity. I just want to do good work.”

    • “Acting is a craft, not a profession. It’s something you have to work at every day.”

    Vital Statistics

    • Full Name: Richard St John Francis Harris

    • Date of Birth: October 1, 1930

    • Place of Birth: Limerick, Ireland

    • Date of Death: October 25, 2002

    • Place of Death: London, England

    • Profession: Actor, Singer

    • Spouses: Elizabeth Rees-Williams (1957–1969), Ann Turkel (1974–1982)

    • Children: Damian Harris

    Recommended Posts

  • Ad

  • How Mark Hamill Got Into Acting

    How Mark Hamill Got Into Acting The journey of a small-town actor who became a pop culture icon. (By Carmichael Phillip) (Mark Hamill in Star Wars) Early Life and the Spark of Acting…

    What is the Senior Age for Cinema?

    What is the Senior Age for Cinema? Exploring the opportunities and challenges for older actors in the world of cinema. (By Carmichael Phillip) (Photo: Andrea Piacquadio | Pexels) The Evolving Landscape of Cinema…

    What is the Highest Position in Filmmaking?

    What is the Highest Position in Filmmaking? An exploration of the top roles in the filmmaking industry and the responsibilities that come with them. (By Carmichael Phillip) Understanding the Filmmaking Hierarchy Filmmaking is…

    How Long Do Actors Get Royalties?

    How Long Do Actors Get Royalties? Exploring the timelines and conditions behind royalty payments for actors in the entertainment industry. (By Carmichael Phillip) (Photo: Monstera | Pexels) Understanding Royalties in the Entertainment Industry…

    Why Doesn’t Netflix Pay Residuals?

    Why Doesn’t Netflix Pay Residuals? Exploring the controversy behind Netflix’s approach to compensation and residuals for creators. (By Carmichael Phillip) (Photo: Cottonbro Studio | Pexels) The Rise of Streaming Services and the Shift…

  • Ad

  • Actor Profile: Mark Hamill

    Actor Profile: Mark Hamill Exploring the Life and Legacy of the Legendary Luke Skywalker (By Carmichael Phillip) (Mark Hamill in Star Wars) Mark Hamill is an actor who became a household name due…

    How Long Do Previews Last Before a Movie?

    How Long Do Previews Last Before a Movie? An Exploration of Pre-Movie Previews and Their Impact on the Theater Experience (By Carmichael Phillip) (Photo: Tima Miroshnickenko | Pexels) Previews, or trailers, have become…

    How Much Does Netflix Pay for Each Show?

    How Much Does Netflix Pay for Each Show? An Inside Look at the Financials Behind Netflix’s Original Programming (By Carmichael Phillip) (Photo: Freestocks/Unsplash) Netflix is renowned for its vast library of original content,…

  • Ad

  • Who is the Highest Paid Actor on Netflix?

    Who is the Highest Paid Actor on Netflix? Exploring the Top Earning Stars and Their Netflix Deals (By Carmichael Phillip) (Photo: Cottonbro Studio | Pexels) Netflix has transformed the entertainment landscape, providing actors…

    Do Suits Actors Get Royalties on Netflix?

    Do Suits Actors Get Royalties on Netflix? Exploring the Financial Structure of Streaming Rights and Actor Royalties (By Carmichael Phillip) (Photo: Freestocks/Unsplash) Streaming platforms like Netflix have revolutionized how we consume television shows….

    What is a Typical Day for a Broadway Actor?

    What is a Typical Day for a Broadway Actor? An inside look into the demanding schedule and vibrant life on Broadway (By Carmichael Phillip) (Photo: Cottonbro | Pexels) Morning Preparations: Early Wake-Up and…

    How do Broadway actors do 8 shows a week?

    How do Broadway actors do 8 shows a week? The physical and mental endurance behind the curtain (By Carmichael Phillip) (Photo: Pitt Rom | Pexels) A Demanding Schedule Like No Other Broadway actors…

    How Macaulay Culkin Got Into Acting

    How Macaulay Culkin Got Into Acting From church plays to global stardom: The unexpected rise of Hollywood’s most iconic child actor (By Carmichael Phillip)   A Child of the Stage and City Long…

  • Ad

  • How much does Macaulay Culkin make from Home Alone royalties?

    How much does Macaulay Culkin make from Home Alone royalties? A closer look at residual income, Christmas traditions, and one actor’s holiday legacy (By Carmichael Phillip) (Photo: Sharon McCutcheon/Unsplash) The Holiday Classic That…

    What is a green room?

    What is a green room? The backstage haven that performers, politicians, and guests all rely on (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Kampus Production | Pexels) The Origins of the Green Room The term “green…

    Do Broadway actors work 7 days a week?

    Do Broadway actors work 7 days a week? A deep dive into the demanding, exhilarating, and grueling schedule of life on the Broadway stage (By Carmichael Phillip) (Photo: Cottonbro | Pexels) Broadway’s Demanding…

  • Ad

  • Do actors smell on set?

    Do actors smell on set? Behind the scenes, do stars always smell like roses—or is the truth a little funkier? (By Carmichael Phillip) The Unspoken Question: Do Celebrities Smell Bad on Set? It’s…

    Actor Profile: Macaulay Culkin

    Actor Profile: Macaulay Culkin From Child Star to Cult Icon: The Life and Legacy of Macaulay Culkin (By Carmichael Phillip) Early Life and Rise to Stardom Macaulay Carson Culkin was born on August…

    Do actors need to be able to sing?

    Do actors need to be able to sing? Exploring the importance of vocal talent in modern acting careers (By Ray Reese) (Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko | Pexels) The Evolution of the Actor’s Skill Set…

    Do Actors’ Trailers Have Showers?

    Do Actors’ Trailers Have Showers?Exploring the luxury and practicality of actor trailers on set (By Ray Reese) (Photo: Andrea Piacquadio | Pexels) When you think of an actor’s trailer, you might imagine a…

    Do Actors Collect Royalties?

    Do Actors Collect Royalties?Exploring how actors earn beyond their initial paycheck(By Ray Reese) (Photo: Maitree Rimthong | Pexels) Introduction to Royalties and Actors Royalties are a form of ongoing payment made to individuals…

  • Ad