Richard Harris

Date of Birth: October 1, 1930

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: October 25, 2002

Biography

Richard St. John Harris was an Irish actor and singer, born on October 1, 1930, in Limerick, Ireland. He attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and began his career in the 1950s with stage roles before transitioning to film. Harris became known for his intense and often rebellious characters, earning critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. His breakthrough role came in 1963 with “This Sporting Life,” for which he received an Academy Award nomination. He continued to build a distinguished career with notable performances in films such as “A Man Called Horse,” “Camelot,” and “The Field,” receiving another Oscar nomination for the latter. In the 1990s, Harris experienced a resurgence in popularity with his portrayal of Albus Dumbledore in the first two “Harry Potter” films. Besides acting, Harris was also a singer, achieving success in the music industry with the hit song “MacArthur Park.” His career was marked by his versatility and longevity, making him a beloved figure both on and off the screen.

5 Interesting Facts about Richard Harris

1. Richard Harris was a professional rugby player before turning to acting.

2. He was expelled from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art for being a “troublemaker.”

3. Harris was known for his wild lifestyle and heavy drinking, which he later publicly regretted.

4. He turned down the role of James Bond in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” (1969).

5. Harris won a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Recording for “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” in 1973.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Richard Harris

1. “I often sit back and think, I wish I’d done that, and find out later that I already have.”

2. “I hate the word ‘superstar.’ I have never been able to understand it. It’s an illusion.”

3. “Winning the Oscar was a very important event in my career, but it did not define me as an actor.”

4. “When you reach the top, that’s when the climb begins.”

5. “Being Irish, I have an abiding sense of tragedy which sustains me through temporary periods of joy.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Richard Harris’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million.

Children

Richard Harris had three children with his first wife, Elizabeth Rees-Williams. His sons are: 1. Damian Harris – Director and screenwriter. 2. Jared Harris – Acclaimed actor known for roles in “Mad Men” and “Chernobyl.” 3. Jamie Harris – Actor known for his work in “The New World” and “Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events.”