A renowned actor who brought iconic characters to life on screen, including Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter franchise. He's also a talented singer and songwriter.
Richard Harris, the renowned Irish actor and singer, is best known for his powerful performances in films like This Sporting Life, The Field, and Harry Potter, as well as his iconic role as Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films. With a career spanning over four decades, Harris left an indelible mark on the world of cinema and entertainment.
Born on October 1, 1930, in Limerick, Ireland, Harris was the fifth of eight children in a Catholic family. He studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and began his acting career on the stage, performing in various productions throughout the 1950s.
Harris's breakthrough role came in 1963 with the film This Sporting Life, for which he received his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. This was followed by a string of critically acclaimed performances in films like The Guns of Navarone (1961), Red Desert (1964), and A Man Called Horse (1970).
In addition to his acting prowess, Harris was also a talented singer. His 1968 recording of Jimmy Webb's song "MacArthur Park" became a number one hit in Australia, Jamaica, and Canada, and a top ten hit in the UK, Ireland, and the US. He received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for the song.
Harris's impressive body of work earned him numerous accolades, including:
In 2002, Harris passed away, leaving behind a legacy of powerful performances and a lasting impact on the world of cinema. He was listed at number 3 on The Irish Times' list of Ireland's greatest film actors in 2020, a testament to his enduring influence on the industry.
Harris was known for his larger-than-life personality and was often referred to as "the last of the great hell-raisers." He was married three times and had three sons, including actor Jared Harris.
Harris was known for his wit and wisdom, and left behind a treasure trove of memorable quotes, including:
Did you know that Harris was a skilled rugby player and was even offered a contract to play professionally? Or that he was a huge fan of the Beatles and was instrumental in introducing them to the US market?
Richard Harris's remarkable career and enduring legacy continue to inspire new generations of actors, musicians, and artists. His passion, talent, and infectious energy have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
92 Years Old
A renowned actor and producer who brought iconic characters to life on screen, earning numerous awards and nominations for his captivating performances.
94 Years Old
A legendary actor and producer who brought iconic characters to life, including the first and most iconic James Bond, in a career spanning over six decades.
91 Years Old
A legendary actor with a distinctive Cockney accent, starring in iconic films like Alfie, The Italian Job, and Inception, with a career spanning over 60 years.
Born in 1921
A renowned musician who excelled as a pianist, composer, and conductor, leaving a lasting legacy in the classical music world through his performances and compositions.
Born in 1923
A renowned actor, director, and producer who brought iconic films like "Gandhi" and "Jurassic Park" to life, earning numerous awards and accolades.
84 Years Old
A renowned actor with a distinctive voice, known for iconic roles in sci-fi classics like Alien and Doctor Who.
85 Years Old
A renowned thespian celebrated for iconic roles in film and theatre, particularly as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and Magneto in the X-Men franchise.
89 Years Old
A renowned actress celebrated for her iconic performances on stage and screen, particularly as M in the James Bond film series and her numerous Shakespearean roles.
