Richard Harris

When a bout with tuberculosis squelched his dream of a rugby career, Richard Harris shifted his focus to acting. Born Oct. 1, 1930, in Limerick, Ireland, he earned his stripes on stage before landing in films.

The feisty thespian's early movies included Mutiny on the Bounty (1962) and This Sporting Life (1963); the latter made Harris an international star and netted him a Best Actor Oscar nod. He followed up with Major Dundee (1965), delivered a memorable performance in 1970's A Man Called Horse and appeared in the thriller The Cassandra Crossing (1976). After a sabbatical, Harris returned in The Field (1990), reaping another Oscar nomination for his powerful portrayal.

Harris took on character roles in Patriot Games and Unforgiven (both 1992) and gained a new generation of fans with turns in the first two Harry Potter blockbusters. Harris died from Hodgkin's disease Oct. 25, 2002.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

2001 PG

On his 11th birthday, orphaned Harry Potter learns he's a powerful wizard -- with a place waiting for him at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As he learns to harness his newfound powers, he uncovers the truth about his parents' deaths.