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.
They already cast Aberforth though! He was in the 5th movie, albeit very briefly. So I suppose that guy might have just been an extra. But honestly, I imagine Aberforth will just be an extra in the seventh movie as well (if he’s even seen at all).
Well, Sir Attenborough can’t be DD, but I am surprised no one mentioned Gregorovitch!!! Or even better, Grindelwald – that scene in the Nurmengard jail tower with Voldemort could be awesome!! Just a thought…
I hat to be superficial about our favourite author but she looked really great in those photos – great clothes, great hair, great make-up. Still I would love her even in her olden day long lanky brown hair, big glasses and terrible orange fake-tan because her writing is so humourous/brilliant and with great plot lines and story.
Posted by Bellatrix's parole officer on January 30, 2008, 07:43 AM
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What a relief that J.K.Rowlings was given the award by Lord Richard Attenborough! Lovely humor J.K. Rowlings! I am sure some hideous accidents have done wonders for some Actors careers. Enjoy writing on your new book!
Attenborough is to small to play dumbledore in the first place. He could be a great Doge though. Ofcoarse Doge isn’t going to be in the film version of DH, so it will probably never happen, but still…
Attenborough as Doge is a brilliant idea, but still, I’d love to have somebody else as Dumbledore … Gambon completely lacks DD’s humour, and I really missed Dumbledore’s superiority in the climax scene of OoP – he looked and acted frightened, and weak, Dan Radcliffe bplayed so much better and he’s still so young, compared with Gambon … He’s certainly a great actor, but I really got the feeling that he simply doesn’t take his part seriously.
Attenborough as Doge is a brilliant idea, but still, I’d love to have somebody else as Dumbledore … Gambon completely lacks DD’s humour, and I really missed Dumbledore’s superiority in the climax scene of OoP – Gambon looked and acted frightened, and weak, Dan Radcliffe bplayed so much better and he’s still so young, compared with Gambon … He’s certainly a great actor, but I really got the feeling that he simply doesn’t take his part seriously.
Attenborough as Doge is a brilliant idea, but still, I’d love to have somebody else as Dumbledore … Gambon completely lacks DD’s humour, and I really missed Dumbledore’s superiority in the climax scene of OoP – Gambon looked and acted frightened, and weak, Dan Radcliffe played so much better and he’s still so young, compared with Gambon … He’s certainly a great actor, but I really got the feeling that he simply doesn’t take his part seriously.
I hat to be superficial about our favourite author but she looked really great in those photos – great clothes, great hair, great make-up. Still I would love her even in her olden day long lanky brown hair, big glasses and terrible orange fake-tan because her writing is so humourous/brilliant and with great plot lines and story.
Posted by Bellatrix’s parole
Unfair.
As the recent ITV special made clear -that Jo was a very different person in terms of hapiness and confidence.
She is now happy in love, family and work -hence her appearance.
Good luck to her -Depression is a truly awful thing…...and she has fought it and won. The return journey to her old house where she wrote Phillosopher’s Stone towards the end of the show, showed her in constant tears -words were not necessary.
Hi M Jones. Us -outside-of-the-UK people havent seen that documentary yet. They are enforcing non-appearance of it on the web quite vigilantly. Its interesting you made the link between Jo’s appearance and whether she was depressed or not. I didnt think my post was unfair – it was factual. She is looking better these days. However, what I love about this woman – her writing – has remained brilliant throughout superficial appearance changes.
Posted by Bellatrix's parole officer on January 31, 2008, 02:06 AM
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Zhiyal, how can you say that Gambon lacks DDs sense of humour? He is the MOST HILARIOUS man in interviews!! When I saw him on Top Gear I thought ‘He IS Dumbledore_as_Muggle’, he has precisely the wit and eccentricity I expect from DD, including the twinkle in the eye. And when he was racing the car round the racetrack I was imagining DD trying to do it (they’ve named a corner of the racetrack Gambon corner after his terrible attempt at it)! Gambon is a brilliant actor, so the fault for not exploiting those aspects of his character must lie with the scriptwriters and directors. Actually in POA I found Gambon closest to BookDD than either of the first two films.
I think the Top Gear interview is in the archives here.
I cannot understand why Mrs. Rowling´s nasty comment should be seen as a joke. She behaved tasteless. But you poor LC guys would say: Jo rocks even if she says: die Gambon.
The staffroom door banged open again. For one wild moment, Harry was sure it would be Dumbledore. But it was Lockhart, and he was beaming.[br]"So sorry -- dozed off -- what have I missed?"
how about Richard Attenborough as Xeno Lovegood hmmm nah a bit too old but i agree Aberforth would be a posibility