A follow up today on news we first told you about several weeks ago involving a special recognition for Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling. The BBC reports the South Bank Show awards presented Jo with a special honor, giving her "an outstanding achievement prize for her success with the Harry Potter books." You can see Jo at these awards here in our galleries as well as here via Getty Images and WENN.
UPDATE:The Times has a new article now online, containing Jo's remarks at the ceremony, where she told the audience splitting ways with Harry Potter is worse than a divorce.
"It has been the worst break-up of my life - far worse than splitting up with any man. But it has also been wonderful to stop and draw breath and think, 'My God, look what's happened with an idea I had 17 years ago on a train."
The award was presented by British film legend Lord Richard Attenborough, who jokingly said he wanted a role in the Harry Potter films. "I've got a great complaint against the recipient. I joined Equity in 1941 and I have been a regular member ever since, therefore I am due a certain amount of respect in these circumstances.I think I must be the only English actor of my generation who has got absolutely bugger all out of this extraordinary series that has been read by millions and made into movies.Surely there must have been something I could have played? Even just a few lines here and there? Don't think I didn't try!"
Rowling joked that he could take the role of Albus Dumbledore in the next film, saying: "Michael Gambon will shortly be having a hideous accident."
Jo then goes on to say yet again she is done writing the Harry Potter series.
"I think I've definitely finished his story. I said seven books and there have been seven," she said. The author is already working on her next project, although she would not be drawn on its subject: "I am writing, it's a compulsion with me. I'm not in a mad hurry to publish because I've had 10 years of deadlines."
Also attending the awards tonight was actor Richard Griffiths (Uncle Vernon). These awards are held to "recognise British achievement in music, theatre, television and the arts," and will be broadcast on UK channel ITV on February 3. Congratulations JO! Anyone who can capture the awards program, please send it in and we will post.
I would guess by the photos that the award was presented to Jo by (Lord) Richard Attenborough. No sign of Madonna and daughter as was previously rumoured.
I know its not related but i say Timothy Spall (Peter Pettigrew) walking down broadstairs today after school im still recovering from shock we just drove past him!!!
just thought i would let people know since my school mates dont pay attention to that sort of thing lol
xxxx
I don’t think people should judge Gambon’s Dumbledore until he’s actually been given something to do, which he hopefully will have in HBP and DH (albeit in flashbacks and…from beyond the grave!). Yeah he wasn’t good in GoF but he was fine in Ootp and very good in PoA. Definitely better than Richard Harris, but I don’t think either actor was perfect for DD. Ian Mckellen was.
Posted by performingmonkey on January 29, 2008, 07:36 PM
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“As for Gambon…he will be remembered for his bravura performance in Dennis Potter’s “The Singing Detective”.”
He’ll be remembered for far more than that!! He isn’t a Sir for nothing you know.
I like Gambon full stop, and yes, I also like his DD. Never had a problem with him.
Huh…Attenborough might have made a good Slughorn, actually.
Glad someone mentioned “The Singing Detective”! (The original British series, not the hollywood remake.) Those who aren’t Gambon fans now should watch that. His acting style really suits that role, and it’s full of dark humor, fantasy and intrigue. Imelda Staunton also has a juicy part in it, and David Thewlis is briefly seen as a soldier on a train. My god, I love that series so much.
I never have seen it. I’ve seen Gambon in other things that I thought were good though—just not as Dumbledore.
I can totally seen Attenborough as Aberforth. It doesn’t really matter what his age is—he looks quite young for being in his 80s. I love his comments, but mostly I find it very funny that Rowling brought up Dumbledore’s role. Makes me wonder if she isn’t all that happy with his portrayal either.
“And the hits just keep on comin’”! Yay, JO!!! As for Sir Michael….....here, across the pond, I recently rented a most interesting DVD of (I presume..)a BBC “series” called ‘Wives and Daughters’.................Sir Michael Gambon is a marvelous actor! I think the WB and Jo made a splendid choice. I also agree, with Beth and Doobah: I think he would make an excellent Aberforth. @Sillysilly10: I don’t think present age would present any problem, with Sir Richard…..after all, makeup and hair can do wonders for those who are “not the age they are supposed to be” *D
Posted by Confederate Lady on January 29, 2008, 08:20 PM
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They were looking straight into the eyes of a monstrous dog, a dog that filled the whole space between ceiling and floor. It had three heads.
Three pairs of rolling, mad eyes; three noses, twitching and quivering in their direction; three drooling mouths
I would guess by the photos that the award was presented to Jo by (Lord) Richard Attenborough. No sign of Madonna and daughter as was previously rumoured.