Which actor played Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films?

Richard Harris played Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films.

Harris portrayed the Hogwarts headmaster in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. His performance presents Dumbledore as an imposing but warm school leader, with a calm manner that contrasts with the dangers surrounding Harry.

Harris died on October 25, 2002, after the release of Chamber of Secrets. Michael Gambon then succeeded him as Dumbledore, beginning with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and continuing through the rest of the main film series.

The two actors are sometimes mixed up because Gambon played Dumbledore in six films and became the face most associated with the role for many viewers. Harris also had a long career outside fantasy cinema, including acclaimed work in This Sporting Life and The Field.