Renowned actor Sir Michael Gambon has passed away at the age of 82, according to his family.
Sir Michael was most famous for his portrayal of Professor Albus Dumbledore in six out of the eight Harry Potter films.
He had a prolific career spanning six decades, during which he excelled in television, film, theater, and radio, earning four Bafta awards. His wife, Lady Gambon, and son, Fergus, shared that their “beloved husband and father” passed away peacefully in a hospital, surrounded by his family, after battling pneumonia.
Sir Michael’s family relocated to London when he was a child, but he marked his inaugural stage performance in Ireland in 1962, starring in a production of Othello in Dublin.
His career soared when he became one of the founding members of Laurence Olivier’s National Theatre acting ensemble in London, ultimately securing three Olivier awards for his outstanding performances in National Theatre productions.
He was notably recognized for his role as French detective Jules Maigret in the ITV series Maigret and gained acclaim for portraying Philip Marlow in Dennis Potter’s The Singing Detective on the BBC.
Sir Michael assumed the iconic role of Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, in the immensely popular Harry Potter film series, taking over the character following the passing of Richard Harris in 2003.
RIP Michael Gambon
— Spencer Morgan (@spencermorgan93) September 28, 2023
“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light” – Albus Dumbledore pic.twitter.com/xl8ircdql6
His extensive filmography includes appearances in the big-screen adaptation of Dad’s Army, Gosford Park, and The King’s Speech, where he portrayed King George V, the father of King George VI who struggled with a stutter.
He received Emmy nominations for his role as Mr. Woodhouse in an adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma in 2010 and for his portrayal of President Lyndon B Johnson in Path to War in 2002. Additionally, he received a Tony nomination in 1997 for his performance in David Hare’s play Skylight.
Sir Michael Gambon was knighted in 1998 in recognition of his contributions to the entertainment industry. Despite his Irish heritage, he had become a British citizen during his childhood.
Revered as “The Great Gambon” within acting circles, his final stage appearance occurred in 2012 in a London production of Samuel Beckett’s play All That Fall.
