Michael Gambon to play Prof Dumbledore

LOS ANGELES: Irish-born actor Sir Michael Gambon is tipped to take on the role of Professor Dumbledore in the Harry Potter movies following the death of star Richard Harris, according to a news report.
Gambon will take on the role as headmaster of young Harry''s Hogwarts School for Wizardry and Witchcraft in the third film in the blockbuster series that goes into production this year.
Gambon, considered one of Britain''s top actors who was last seen in a major production in Robert Altman''s satiric film in 2001, is expected to play Dumbledore in
The acclaimed stage actor is however at least the third tipped to take over the role left vacant by Harris following his October 25 death at the age of 72 following a battle with cancer.
Sir Ian McKellen, who plays another wizard in another hit series of films - Gandalf in - had been rumoured to be in line for it as had Christopher Lee, but both said they were not interested.
Officials at producers of the Harry Potter movies were not available on Thursday for comment on the report.
Gambon was last seen in a major movie production in 2001''s and also had roles in Peter Greenaway''s 1989 film as well as in a host of other films.