In the latter part of Michael Gambon’s long and storied acting career, some of the most animated analyses of his performances could be found not in theater or film reviews, but in forums for the “Harry Potter” fandom, where dedicated Hogwarts obsessives would dissect his every onscreen utterance as the wizard Albus Dumbledore. It wasn’t originally his role. Richard Harris, the eminent actor who was originally cast, died after filming the second “Harry Potter” movie. Several other well-known actors were initially considered to succeed Harris in the role, including McKellen, who demurred, and Peter O'Toole, who turned it down because of his long, close friendship with Harris. In the end the choice was Gambon, whose family said Thursday that he had died.

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Persons: Michael Gambon’s, Harry Potter ”, Albus Dumbledore, Richard Harris, Harry Potter, Gambon, Alec Guinness, Obi, Wan, Ian McKellen, Gandalf, Harris, McKellen, Peter O'Toole, Harris’s Organizations: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft