Richard Harris, the colorful and larger-than-life Irish-born actor, died Fri., Oct. 25 at London's University College Hospital. He was 72 years old. The cause of death was lymphatic cancer, which had been diagnosed earlier this year.
His career spanned more than 40 years, during which time he appeared in more than 70 movies, including "Camelot," in which he played King Arthur and, more recently, the first Harry Potter movie. In the latter, he played the genial headmaster, a role he reprised in the soon-to-be-released sequel. He also appeared on Broadway in the 1981 revival of "Camelot."
However, he probably gained his largest following for his performance in "A Man Called Horse," and then its two sequels, "Return of a Man Called Horse" and "Triumphs of a Man Called Horse." Among the other blockbusters Harris appeared in: "Mutiny on the Bounty," "The Count of Monte Cristo," "Unforgiven," "The Guns of Navarone," and "Patriot Games."
Harris was nominated for two Oscars, first in 1963 for "This Sporting Life," and then in 1990 for his performance as a tenant farmer facing hard times in "The Field." He was also tapped for a Golden Globe nomination for his work in "The Field."
Harris, who was vocal in his dislike of film acting and more than a tad disdainful of stars—their glitz, glamour, and parties—was well-known for his interest in hard drinking and pub-hopping with his equally inebriated pals, Richard Burton and Peter O'Toole, especially during the '70s.
He was born in Limerick, Ireland, one of nine children, to Mildred and Ivan Harris, the owners of a flour mill. Early on, Harris was interested in sports—specifically rugby—but because of a bout with tuberculosis he could not pursue athletics. Instead, Harris turned his attention to theatre, ultimately studying acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
Shortly thereafter, he launched his career in a production of "The Quare Fellow" at the Theatre Royal in Stratford, and from there he moved on to such productions as Arthur Miller's "A View From the Bridge" and Luigi Pirandello's "Man, Beast and Virtue."
A career in Hollywood movies followed, although during his heavy-drinking years, directors were alleged to have added at least one day to their shooting schedules because they assumed he'd be drunk and unable to show up for the shooting.
In more recent years, Harris had cut back on his drinking and was enjoying a renaissance of sorts when he appeared in "Gladiator" as the dying emperor. Many expected Harris to receive another Oscar nod for his stint in that film.
Harris is survived by his three sons from his first wife (Joan Elizabeth Rees-Williams), Damian, Jared, and Jamie—all of whom are in the business. Damian is a director; Jared and Jamie are actors.