John Lithgow Reminds Critics of 'Harry Potter' Casting American Dumbledore: 'I Did Play Winston Churchill'

John Lithgow understands he might not be everyone's first choice to play Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming Max "Harry Potter" series, but he's committed to delivering a performance that will satisfy. As he told the BBC's "The One Show" April 16, "It's an enormous thrill. But I know there were plenty of people appalled that an American should be hired to play the ultimate English wizard. But, I will do my best." Lithgow noted he is "following the great Michael Gambon" before he also said, "I'm not an Englishman, although I've played one on TV. I . . .