Actor Richard Harris, 72, Dies October 25, 2002 05:17 PM ET LONDON (Reuters) - Renowned Irish actor Richard Harris, for years one of the hell-raisers of the stage and screen along with Richard Burton, died in the hospital Friday. "Richard Harris died this evening at 1900 hours (3 p.m. EDT)," a spokeswoman for University College of London Hospital said. She did not give a cause of death. His family said Harris, 72, whose most recent incarnation was as Professor Dumbledore in the hit "Harry Potter" film series, had died peacefully. "With great sadness Damien, Jared and Jamie Harris announce the death of their beloved father Richard Harris. He died peacefully at University College Hospital," a statement by his three children said. Harris was twice-married and a true Sixties hell-raiser who, in the style of Richard Burton and Peter O'Toole, believed life was for living to the full. Harris, who would go out for a packet of cigarettes and not come back for two weeks, once said: "I have made 72 movies in my life and been miscast twice -- as a husband." In his later years, he found himself busier than ever in the film world. He said late last year he had no choice but to accept the Harry Potter role as his granddaughter had threatened never to speak to him again if he turned it down. His most memorable films include "Camelot," "The Field" and "This Sporting Life." He also starred in the Ridley Scott Oscar-winning epic "Gladiator."
