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.
Doesn’t she have the HP encyclopedia to finish first??? I think its supposed to be call A History of Magic (by Bathilda Bagshot lol). So lets hope Jo can do both I guess, but I’ve never doubted her!! I’m sure she can do it and give up a new amazing book PLUS the encyclopedia we all want so much!!
I admire Jo so much….she’s brilliant….but I dont want any “hideous accident” for Sir Gambon….he’s so great….and he’s great as Dumbledore too…..on this site there’s lots of bad comments about him as Dumbledore….but people…..he’s so Dumbledore(there’s no better)-and about his aggression in GOF-that’s directors and screenwriters fault-besides it’s not so bad-he was worried for Harry and thats why he reacted like that : )
Lindsay: I don’t think Jo is in any hurry to produce the encyclopedia, she jokingly said 10 years on PotterCast. So this other book could well appear first.
It would be awful if something did happen to Gambon now. The press would have a field day after that comment.
Although to be honest, I don’t like Gambon in his representation of Dumbledore and the way he shouts at the students, like in PoA and OotP. He’s too severe and he doesn’t have the twinkle of the eye thing going on.
I can see Attenborough as Dumbledore but I still don’t think he’d be that great, Aberforth might suit him though. Richard Attenborough and goats, that’d be hilarious!
And just to add, my friend got cast as a Ravenclaw!!! She had her uniform fitting today. Although I havn’t talked to her properly so I’m not sure of any of the details. More tomorrow!
I wonder if the “hideous accident” Jo was referring to is when Dumbledore falls off the astronomy tower at the end of HBP.
Yes -of course it was !
As to poor Jo and her attempt to go cold turkey on Potter. As a self-confessed “addictive complusive” cf-”A year in the life of JKR”, she is obviously having a very bad time getting away from the Potter world.
For purely selfish reasons, I hope she does’nt quite make it….....
Oh, I do like Jo’s wit – Dumbledore will soon have a hideous accident involving the Astronomy Tower.
As for Lord Attenborough, he could be cast as Elphias Doge or old Grindelwald.
Posted by Alison aka NobleBirth Descending on January 30, 2008, 01:21 AM
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“Fantastic… I love that Jo wants to replace Gambon, too!!! chuckle Now, if only the directors took note…”
Posted by mlwl on January 29, 2008 @ 06:10 PM
That is not what she said at all, and it was totally in jest! Jo has always had nothing but praise for Sir Michael’s Dumbledore – as do I. She even mentioned how people shouldn’t take Gambon’s “very dry” sense of humour at face value in the Potter Cast interview!
Why does EVERY mention of Gambon turn into a hate-fest?
Anyway, ON TOPIC: congratulations, Jo! you deserve every accolade you get!
"Impressive," Harry said quietly, grinning. "Very impressive... You'll put Dr. Filibuster out of business, no problem..."[br]"Cheers," whispered George, wiping tears of laughter from his face. "Oh, I hope she tries Vanishing them next... They multiply by
SORRY! I really didn’t mean to post that twice and this is the second time I’ve done that.