Stars pay tribute to actor Harris

Harris died after suffering from Hodgkin's disease

Actor Richard Harris, who died last year, has been remembered by family, friends and fellow stars in a memorial service at a London theatre on Sunday.

Organised by Harris' sons Damian, Jared and Jamie, the evening at the Strand Theatre looked over his 40-year career.

Director Michael Winner and actors Alan Rickman and Peter Bowles were among about 300 people at the event.

Harris, who was 72, became a star in the 1960s and enjoyed a comeback as Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films.

Richard Griffiths - who played Harry Potter's Uncle Vernon - was among those present, while Irish stars Liam Neeson and Gabriel Byrne were also reported to be there.

Harris' widow Elizabeth turned up with new husband Jonathan Aitken

Harris' sons booked the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra to perform.

And the actor's widow Elizabeth turned up with new husband, former Conservative politician Jonathan Aitken.

Harris, born in Ireland and renowned for his hellraising lifestyle and heavy drinking, died two months after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease.

He lived the last years of his life at the Savoy Hotel, around the corner from the Strand Theatre.

He was twice nominated for Oscars for This Sporting Life, in 1964, and The Field, in 1991, and completed the first two Harry Potter films.

Michael Gambon has been chosen to take over as Dumbledore in the last five Potter movies.