Which Hogwarts headmaster is portrayed by Richard Harris in the first two Harry Potter films?

Albus Dumbledore is portrayed by Richard Harris in the first two Harry Potter films.

Richard Harris played Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, released in 2001, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, released in 2002. Dumbledore is the headmaster of Hogwarts and one of the most powerful and influential wizards in the story.

Harris died on 25 October 2002, before production of the third film. Michael Gambon then took over the role beginning with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and played Dumbledore through the remainder of the main film series.

The character’s full name is Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. He is also associated with the Order of the Phoenix and has a long history involving Gellert Grindelwald. Those details are why Dumbledore’s role extends far beyond that of a conventional school headmaster.