Who is John Lithgow? The actor playing Dumbledore in Harry Potter TV series

Harry Potter, an integral part of many childhoods across generations, is finally coming back. Not as a movie, but as a TV series. Set to debut each book as a season, the Harry Potter TV series will adapt JK Rowling’s anthology into a long-form episode format. Recent images have confirmed that John Lithgow has fully committed to the role of Hogwarts’ headmaster, Professor Albus Dumbledore.

Seen in a long, wispy white beard, the actor was spotted on sets wearing oversized robes, standing at a sandy beach. Fans couldn’t help but be reminded of Michael Gambon, who played Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Wearing spectacles at the tip of his nose, or as Rowling describes in her book, ‘half-moon glasses,’ Lithgow sported some rings, resembling the Dumbledore fans saw in movies. This is the first time Lithgow has been seen on the set of the HBO series, which has been filming across England since July.

Who is John Lithgow?

John Lithgow, now 70, spoke to ScreenRant in February when the cast was revealed. He noted that this role “came as a total surprise” and that agreeing to it was “not an easy” decision. But, he said that he was “very excited” as it is “going to define” him for the “last chapter” of his life. “I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party,” he quipped.

The critically acclaimed American actor has won six Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globes, and other notable titles. He made his Broadway debut in ‘The Changing Room’ in 1973, which became a turning point in his life. Since then, Lithgow has starred in several timeless movies like Footloose, Cliffhanger, Interstellar, Shrek (Lord Farquaad), and Kinsey. His award-winning performance let a permanent mark on the sitcom ‘3rd Rock from the Sun’, as he played Dick Solomon.

Lithgow has also played Winston Churchill in ‘The Crown’ and has also penned several children’s books.

Harry Potter TV series: Complete cast

Warwick Davis: Professor Filius Flitwick (returning from the original film series).

Elijah Oshin: Dean Thomas

Finn Stephens: Vincent Crabbe

William Nash: Gregory Goyle

Sirine Saba: Professor Pomona Sprout

Richard Durden: Professor Cuthbert Binns

Bríd Brennan: Madam Poppy Pomfrey

Leigh Gill: Griphook