Who played Dumbledore in the Philosopher’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is Richard Harris.
Richard Harris, an acclaimed Irish actor, portrayed Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (released as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in the United States) and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Harris’s portrayal brought to life J.K. Rowling’s beloved headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with a gentle, wise, and grandfatherly demeanor that matched the character’s role as a guide and protector for Harry Potter and his friends. Harris had a distinguished career long before joining the Harry Potter franchise. He was known for major roles in films such as Camelot (1967), where he played King Arthur, and This Sporting Life (1963), for which he received an Academy Award nomination. His work extended across genres, from historical epics to dramatic roles and even musical performances.
Harris agreed to play Dumbledore at the insistence of his granddaughter, who was a fan of the books and wanted him to be part of the magical world. Sadly, Richard Harris passed away in October 2002, shortly before the release of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. His death created a significant challenge for the filmmakers, who needed to find a suitable actor to continue the role of Dumbledore for the remaining films. The role was then taken over by Michael Gambon, who portrayed Dumbledore from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban onward. Gambon brought his own interpretation to the character, making Dumbledore appear a bit more energetic and assertive compared to Harris’s more serene version. Richard Harris’s contribution to the series remains beloved by fans who appreciated his calm wisdom and warmth that reflected the essence of the original Dumbledore character from the books.