John Lithgow will take on the role of Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series. The 79-year-old actor confirmed the news in an interview with ScreenRant.
Lithgow’s Reaction to the Role
Lithgow admitted he was surprised when he received the offer. In fact, he got the call while attending the Sundance Film Festival. Although the decision was difficult, he ultimately accepted the role with excitement.
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“Well, it came as a total surprise to me. I just got the phone call up at the Sundance Film Festival for yet another film, and it was not an easy decision because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid. But I’m very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter. That’s why it’s been such a hard decision. I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes,” Lithgow shared.
Throughout his career, Lithgow has played many memorable roles in television and film.
Notable TV Roles
- 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996-2001) – Played Dick Solomon, an eccentric alien.
- Dexter (2010-2013) – Portrayed Arthur Mitchell, also known as the “Trinity Killer.”
- The Crown (2016-2017) – Took on the role of Winston Churchill in the Netflix drama.
- The Undoing (2020) – Starred as Franklin Reinhardt.
- How I Met Your Mother (2006) – Played Jerry, Barney Stinson’s father.
- Perry Mason (2020) – Portrayed Elias Birchard.
Memorable Film Roles
- The World According to Garp (1982) – Earned praise for playing Roberta Muldoon.
- Terms of Endearment (1983) – Took on the role of Dr. Harold.
- Footloose (1984) – Portrayed Reverend Shaw Moore.
- Shrek (2001) – Voiced the villain Lord Farquaad.
- Cliffhanger (1993) – Played the antagonist Eric Qualen.
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) – Starred as Charles.
- Interstellar (2014) – Played Murphy Cooper’s father.
- Bombshell (2019) – Portrayed Fox News executive Roger Ailes.
Without a doubt, Lithgow’s portrayal of Dumbledore will add another iconic role to his impressive career.
