THE LIFE OF RICHARD HARRIS

Richard Harris was one of the most successful actors of his generation.

Though he was hailed for extraordinary early films, such as This Sporting Life, and the native American films, for example 1970's A Man Called Horse, his prodigious appetite for drink (and drugs) ensured that his turbulent life featured as much in the media as did his films.

Always driven by a restless intellect, Harris published a novel, wrote poetry and sang his own songs, as well as performing in the hit musical Camelot.

His film career was revived with movies as diverse as the chilling Unforgiven, the epic Gladiator, and, of course, his role as the headmaster beloved of children the world over.

Professor Albus Dumbledore, in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

This biography explores his background in Ireland, his public successes and failures his battles with his own demons, and his death.