Born in Dublin in 1940, he began his acting career on stage before transitioning to film and television. He gained prominence in the 1980s with roles in acclaimed productions like "The Singing Detective." Known for his versatility, he portrayed a wide range of characters across genres. He achieved international fame with his role as Albus Dumbledore in the "Harry Potter" series, beginning with the third film. His distinguished career includes numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to the arts.