Wikimedia Commons/Harry Potter HBO series Celebrity John Lithgow addresses J.K. Rowling controversy, separating his Dumbledore role from her anti-trans views in HBO's Harry Potter series. March 20, 2026 AceShowbiz - John Lithgow has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling as he prepares to portray Albus Dumbledore in HBO's upcoming series. The two-time Oscar nominee clarified his position in a recent interview with The New York Times, emphasizing his separation from the author's widely criticized anti-transgender views.