10 Actors Who Originally Turned Down Their Most Iconic Roles
2. Richard Harris Didn't Want To Be Remembered For Playing A Wizard - Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone
There are some who think that Michael Gambon was the better Dumbledore, but true Harry Potter fans know that Richard Harris was born to play the part of the greatest wizard who ever lived. Gambon was far too aggressive for the role, while Harris brought the appropriate amount of wisdom and heart.
However, the actor at first never envisioned himself in the place of Harry's confidant and mentor, turning turned down the role a number of times due to his fading health... and because he didn't want to be purely remembered for playing a wizard in a franchise he thought to be a bit silly.
Harris eventually decided to sign on for one simple, sentimental reason: his granddaughter. As a huge Potter fan, she was (rightly) peeved that her grandfather was continually turning down the opportunity to play Albus freakin' Dumbledore and pushed him to do it. Which he did, of course - though sadly Harris only got to feature as Dumbledore twice. He died before shooting on the third film commenced, and was replaced by Gambon.
Still, hell of a final role, and - against his wishes - probably the one he'll be most remembered for.