Who was Richard Harris? What was Richard Harris Cause of Death?
by Harini | Updated Jun 29, 2023
Who Was Richard Harris?
Richard St John Francis Harris was an Irish actor and singer born on October 1, 1930. He gained prominence as a prominent figure of the British New Wave, following his studies at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Throughout his career, Harris received numerous accolades, including the esteemed Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor and a Grammy Award. In 2020, The Irish Times recognized him as the third greatest film actor from Ireland.
Harris's outstanding performances earned him two Academy Award nominations for Best Actor, one for his role in This Sporting Life in 1963, and another for The Field in 1991. Notable films that showcased his talent include The Guns of Navarone (1961), Red Desert (1964), A Man Called Horse (1970), Cromwell (1970), Unforgiven (1992), Gladiator (2000), and The Count of Monte Cristo (2002).
He received widespread acclaim for portraying Albus Dumbledore in the initial two installments of the Harry Potter film series: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), which marked his final film appearance.
His portrayal of King Arthur in the 1967 film Camelot earned him the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. He reprised the role in the Broadway musical revival in 1981 and garnered a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor for his role in Pirandello's Henry IV (1991).
Harris's remarkable talent extended beyond acting, as he also achieved success as a singer. His rendition of Jimmy Webb's song "MacArthur Park" became a number-one hit in Australia, Jamaica, and Canada, and reached the top ten charts in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States. For this achievement, he was honored with a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
What Was Richard Harris Cause Of Death?
Richard Harris, a celebrated actor and a prominent figure from Limerick, passed away at the age of 72 in a London hospital on 25 October 2002. His cause of death was Hodgkin's lymphoma, a form of cancer.
Harris fell ill after completing his role in the second installment of the Harry Potter film series, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and was admitted to the hospital due to a chest infection.
In a statement released on behalf of his sons Damian, Jared, and Jamie, the heartbreaking news of their "beloved father's" passing was conveyed. The statement expressed deep sadness and shared the news of his demise at University College Hospital.
Harris embraced his reputation as one of the most formidable and unpredictable actors of the 20th century and beyond. He graced the screen in several iconic films of his generation, such as A Man Called Horse.
The Guns of Navarone, and Mutiny on the Bounty. However, his off-screen escapades and fondness for indulging in alcohol often made headlines in tabloid newspapers, further solidifying his image as a wild and unconventional personality.
Actor Richard Harris dies
Renowned actor Richard Harris has left us, leaving behind a void in the entertainment industry. The primary cause of his passing was Hodgkin's disease, a type of cancer.
At the age of 72, he peacefully departed from this world while receiving care in a London hospital. Richard Harris is survived by his three sons, Jared, Jamie, and Damian, who were born from his first marriage.
Their lives will continue to carry his legacy forward, as they navigate their own paths in the world of acting and beyond. The loss of Richard Harris is deeply felt, but his contributions to the world of film and his enduring influence will forever be remembered.
Richard Harris's Children
Richard Harris was a proud father to three children, Jared, Jamie, and Damian, whom he had with his first wife. Following in their father's footsteps, his sons have pursued careers in the entertainment industry, with Jared and Damian becoming actors, while Jamie has made a name for himself as a director.
Damian, the eldest of the siblings, was born on August 2, 1958. He has established himself as a film director and screenwriter, known for his work on films such as The Rachel Papers and The Wilde Wedding.
Jared, born on August 24, 1961, has made a mark in the acting world. He has appeared in notable films such as Ocean's Twelve and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. His portrayal of Moriarty in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows was particularly memorable. In addition to his film work, Jared has also made appearances in popular television shows including Mad Men, Sherlock, The Crown, and Chornobyl.
Jamie, born on May 15, 1963, is recognized for his recurring roles in television series such as Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Carnival Row, showcasing his talent as an actor.
The legacy of Richard Harris lives on through his children, who continue to contribute to the entertainment industry and carry forward their father's artistic lineage.
Richard Harris Career
1959–1963: Early Roles and Breakthrough
Richard Harris embarked on his film career in 1959, making his debut in the movie "Alive and Kicking." He also took on the lead role in the West End production of "The Ginger Man" during the same year. His second film, "Shake Hands with the Devil" (1959), cast him as an IRA Volunteer alongside James Cagney. Director Michael Anderson, impressed by Harris's talent, offered him a role in his next film, "The Wreck of the Mary Deare" (1959), which was shot in Hollywood.
In 1960, Harris portrayed another IRA Volunteer in "A Terrible Beauty" alongside Robert Mitchum. He had a notable supporting role in "The Guns of Navarone" (1961) as a Royal Australian Air Force pilot. Harris's performance in "The Long and the Short and the Tall" (1961) earned him recognition as he portrayed a British soldier, although he faced conflicts with Laurence Harvey and Richard Todd during filming
Despite being relatively unknown to film audiences, Harris secured a significant role in "Mutiny on the Bounty" (1962) and insisted on third billing, behind Trevor Howard and Marlon Brando, whom he greatly admired. However, tensions arose between Harris and Brando due to the latter's behavior during production.
The breakthrough moment for Harris came with his first starring role in "This Sporting Life" (1963), where he portrayed Frank Machin, a bitter young coal miner who becomes a celebrated rugby league football player. Based on the novel by David Storey and directed by Lindsay Anderson, Harris's remarkable performance earned him the Best Actor award at the 1963 Cannes Film Festival and an Academy Award nomination.
Following this success, Harris starred in Michelangelo Antonioni's "Il Deserto Rosso" (Red Desert, 1964), which won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.
Harris received an offer to support Kirk Douglas in the British war film "The Heroes of Telemark" (1965), directed by Anthony Mann, where he played a Norwegian resistance leader. He then ventured to Hollywood to appear alongside Charlton Heston in Sam Peckinpah's "Major Dundee" (1965), portraying an Irish immigrant turned Confederate cavalryman during the American Civil War.
He took on the role of Cain in John Huston's "The Bible: In the Beginning..." (1966). Another successful film for Harris was "Hawaii" (1966), where he starred alongside Julie Andrews and Max von Sydow.
1967–1971: Rise to Prominence
In a departure from his usual roles, Harris played the romantic lead in the Doris Day spy spoof comedy "Caprice" (1967), directed by Frank Tashlin. He then took on the role of King Arthur in the film adaptation of the musical play "Camelot" (1967).
Critic Roger Ebert praised Harris's casting, describing him and Vanessa Redgrave as the ideal choices for King Arthur and Queen Guenevere. Harris later reprised the role in a Broadway revival and toured nationwide with the production.
Harris portrayed James McParland, a detective infiltrating the titular organization, in "The Molly Maguires" (1970), which earned him a Golden Globe for Best Movie made for TV. He achieved significant success with "A Man Called Horse" (1970), where he played the English aristocrat John Morgan, captured by Native Americans in 1825. Additionally, Harris starred as Oliver Cromwell in "Cromwell" (1970) opposite Alec Guinness as King Charles I. In 1971, he starred in the BBC TV film adaptation of "
Who Was Richard Harris-FAQ
Richard Harris was an acclaimed Irish actor and singer who gained recognition for his notable roles in films such as "This Sporting Life," "A Man Called Horse," and the Harry Potter series.
Richard Harris passed away at the age of 72 due to Hodgkin's disease, a type of cancer. He had been battling the illness for some time before his passing.
Yes, Richard Harris had three children named Jared, Jamie, and Damian, whom he had with his first wife. They have also pursued careers in the entertainment industry.
Richard Harris delivered outstanding performances in films like "Camelot," "The Guns of Navarone," "And Unforgiven," and portrayed Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films.
Richard Harris started his film career in 1959 and gained recognition with his breakthrough role in "This Sporting Life" (1963). He went on to star in numerous successful films and received critical acclaim for his performances.