Biografia

Died shortly before the U.S. premiere of Harry Potter e a Câmara Secreta (2002).

Producers were initially reluctant to cast him as King Arthur in Camelot (1967) due to his limited singing ability. Harris was cast after Richard Burton, who had played the part on Broadway in 1961, demanded too much money. Harris insisted on doing his own singing live and later enjoyed a successful pop career, touring America in 1972.

Turned down the role of Commodus in A Queda do Império Romano (1964), then went on to play Commodus' father Marcus Aurelius (who dies at his son's hands) in Gladiador (2000).

Was knighted by Denmark in 1985.

While living in England he popped out for milk one day and saw in a newspaper that Young Munster were playing in Thomond Park, Limerick. He got the next available flight to Ireland and spent the next three weeks on a drinking binge. All of this was unknown at the time to his wife, who had no idea where he was. When he finally returned to England he rang the doorbell of his house. His wife answered the door and before she had a chance to say anything, he said, "Well, why didn't you pay the ransom?".

There are too many prima donnas in this business and not enough action.

I'm not interested in reputation or immortality or things like that . . . I don't care what I'm remembered for. I don't care if I'm remembered. I don't care if I'm not remembered. I don't care why I'm remembered. I genuinely don't care.

No one gave me anything. I fought TB, I fought the devil. But I made people laugh. I don't want immortality. I've lived it all. I've done it all.

No one trusts me any more. I spent half the movie [O Inspetor Maigret (1988)] arguing with people and I was accused of causing big on-set rows. But what they won't tell you is I fought for [author Georges Simenon]. I fought for the maintenance of quality. I don't believe in lying down on the job. I've seen these so-called "nice" actors. Very able fellows like Ian McKellen and Kenneth Branagh. But they're like bank managers. So sweet and careful. Who needs them? We are suffering a plague of good taste. Give me Sean Penn and Mickey Rourke any day. They project danger. That's what makes acting--and life--interesting.

[his response to hearing he had been Oscar nominated for O Pranto de um Ídolo (1963)] I've struck a blow for the Irish rebellion!