Living a fulfilling life and enjoying a decorated career with classics like Camelot and The Field, Richard Harris certainly left behind a legacy to remember him by. But while most of his films turned him into a veteran star, it was the Harry Potter franchise that made him popular among modern audiences.
However, despite the potential of the films, given the popularity of J.K Rowling’s novels, Richard Harris was initially reluctant to take on the role of Albus Dumbledore. At the age of 70, Harris was unwilling to commit to a franchise that would demand his involvement in multiple sequels. But things surprisingly changed after he faced a literal threat.
Richard Harris Had Initially Turned Down the Harry Potter Franchise
With a filmography spanning from action films like Gladiator to dramas like Unforgiven, Richard Harris had proven his fine talent in the entertainment industry, way before he was asked to join the magical world of Harry Potter. But undoubtedly, starring as the elderly wizard principal of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore, catapulted Harris to popularity among younger audiences.
During his interview with Zap2it.com (via The Guardian), Richard Harris recalled how he was approached three times by the studio when Warner Bros planned to adapt J.K Rowling‘s novels. But surprisingly, Harris admitted to repeatedly turning down the role of Dumbledore, even after the studio agreed to increase his salary. Recalling his repeated refusals, the late actor explained why he wasn’t interested.
All I knew is that they kept offering me the part and raising the salary every time they called. I kept turning it down. […] Anyone involved has to agree to be in the sequels, all of them, and that’s not how I wanted to spend the last years of my life, so I said no over and over again.
Despite the studio’s persistence and increasing salary offers, Richard Harris remained adamant in his decision to decline the role. Evidently, his reluctance stemmed from a desire to avoid the long-term commitment required by the franchise. Considering that he was 70 at the time, Harris wasn’t interested in starting a franchise at that point in his career. However, his stance changed unexpectedly.
Richard Harris Agreed to Play Albus Dumbledore After a Threat
According to Richard Harris’ discussion, the turning point came not from the studio but from a source much closer to home. When his decision not to participate in the Harry Potter franchise reached his 10-year-old granddaughter, Ella, she took matters into her own hands and came up with an idea. She told her grandfather that if he refused to play Dumbledore, she would never speak to him again.
Being a Harry Potter fan, Ella was truly enthusiastic about her grandfather playing the beloved Albus Dumbledore in the movies. However, when she learned about Richard Harris’ decision to turn down the role, she decided to intervene and use her adorable but powerful influence on him. Eventually resorting to unexpected measures, Ella ensured Harris’ participation in the films.
She said, ‘Papa, I hear you’re not going to be in the Harry Potter movie,’ and she said, ‘If you don’t play Dumbledore then I will never speak to you again.’
Considering how his granddaughter’s literal threat was enough to sway his decision, Richard Harris thereafter agreed to take on the role of the wise and beloved wizard. Bringing his remarkable talent and gravitas to the character, Harris left a lasting impression on fans, with his flawless portrayal of Albus Dumbledore. The actor’s involvement in the Harry Potter franchise was widely acclaimed and it remained as one of his most cherished legacies.
Harry Potter films are available on Max.
