Michael Feeney Callan is an Irish poet, novelist, and filmmaker, also recognized for his biographical writing. His early career involved crafting television scripts for police procedurals and adapting literary works for broadcast. Callan's poetic and prose publications commenced in his youth, evolving into several collections of poetry and novels. As a filmmaker, he has explored subjects ranging from musicians to animators, extending his narrative craft into the visual medium.
Draws on the actor, director, and producer's personal documents to offer insight into his complex life behind his famous roles, discussing the death of his son, his relationship with Sydney Pollack, and his establishment of the Sundance Film Festival.
Richard Harris was a genius whose frenzied existence sometimes overshadowed his enormous talent. Over 45 years, his career spanned small theatrical productions and Hollywood blockbusters. Renowned for his roles in classics like Mutiny on the Bounty, A Man Called Horse, Camelot, The Field, and Unforgiven, Harris’ off-screen drinking and womanizing with fellow hell-raisers Richard Burton and Peter O'Toole also brought him notoriety. Although few people accompanied Harris for any duration on the roller-coaster ride of his life, award-winning writer, director, and fellow Irishman Michael Feeney Callan joined the ride and stayed the course. After striking up a warm friendship with the actor in the mid-‘70s, Callan embarked on an authorized biography. To mark Richard Harris’ passing, Callan has revisited and expanded on his original book to create this fresh and revealing tribute.