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ruperts_babe · 06-06-2004, 10:35 AM

[img]http://www.snitchseeker.com/images/news/dumbledore_80.jpg' align='middle'> POA cast remember Richard Harris -

Summary:
The original Dumbledore

Article:

Thanks to Wizardnews

Quote:

In a career that spanned five decades, Harris made more than 70 films, appeared in dozens of plays, made countless TV appearances and was nominated for two Oscars. It was a full and stellar career, but for millions of Harry Potter fans around the world, his passing meant that someone new would have to fill the shoes of the wizard Albus Dumbledore.

Harris initially turned down the role until one of his granddaughters demanded he take it. Like fans of the books and films, Harris soon fell under the spell of J.K. Rowling's wizards.

Chris Columbus, director of the first two Potter films and producer of the third, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, which opens Friday, visited Harris in hospital two weeks before the actor died.

"He was very weak but he mustered the old Harris spirit as he warned me not to even think about replacing him. He was determined to get better just so he could continue playing Dumbledore," says Columbus. "He loved the character and he loved the cast and crew of the films."

Robbie Coltrane, who plays the giant Hagrid in the Potter films, says his friend Harris' death "was hardest on the kids. He was so good to them. He joked with them and encouraged them to play jokes on him. He was like everyone's favourite grandfather."

Daniel Radcliffe, who plays Harry Potter, recalls that when they learned of Harris' death just days before the American premiere of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets "it was awful. Absolutely awful. I have what I think is the supreme, amazing honour of being in the last scene in a film that Richard ever shot.

"It's amazing to be able to say that."

Radcliffe says after the initial shock, the cast and crew refused to dwell on it.

"Richard was not the kind of guy who would have wanted us to mourn him for ages. I think he'd have wanted us to be happy and remember him for all the times that he made us smile and laugh."

Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron had agreed to direct Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban shortly before Harris died. "I had never met Richard, but I could see that his death was a huge blow for everyone associated with these movies. He was that beloved."

Cuaron says he instantly made it a priority "not to look for a replacement right away. People kept pressuring us to know who would play Dumbledore, but I refused to rush any decision."

Several of Harris' family members suggested Peter O'Toole, who had been one of the actor's closest friends for more than 40 years, and Internet fan clubs pushed to have Ian McKellen play Dumbledore.

Cuaron finally approached British stage and screen actor Michael Gambon.

"Michael is one of the most powerful actors working anywhere in the world today. I was so grateful when he accepted our offer," says Cuaron adding Gambon "was not the least bit intimidated in taking over the role. He likened it to playing a role like King Lear. Other actors have done the role before so you strive to make it your own rather than recreate what they did."

Emma Watson, who plays Harry's classmate Hermione Granger, admits "it was difficult for Michael Gambon to follow Richard Harris because a lot of people thought Richard was the perfect Dumbledore."

She feels Gambon "did a really great job ... he did his own thing. Michael is still Dumbledore, but he put a different spin on the character. Michael is a much more mischievous Dumbledore."

Calgary Sun

fleurdelacour17 · 06-07-2004, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lovely_Lily_Evans@Jun 6 2004, 02:01 PM
Richard Harris was, and still is, a phenominal actor. His ways of wonder has inspired many. His wisdom and wide range of respect is something that only we, fans, can contribute to. We will not forget him.

Richard Harris is Albus Dumbledore. :flowersmile:

Ever since the drastic drama of his death, many fans have taken the time to reflect him as not only a brilliant actor but also as a billiant person as well.

Long live Richard. May we remember and learn from you.

True, we can learn soo much from a man not only wise on the screen, but in his life as well