Sir Michael Gambon, Renowned ‘Harry Potter’ Actor, Passes Away at 82

Sir Michael Gambon, celebrated for his portrayal of Professor Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter film series, has passed away at the age of 82, according to a statement from his family.

Born in Dublin and later becoming a British citizen, Gambon’s illustrious career spanned six decades, encompassing television, film, theatre, and radio. Over the years, he garnered four BAFTA awards and was knighted in 1998 for his contributions to the entertainment industry.

His family shared that the esteemed actor passed away peacefully in a hospital, surrounded by loved ones, after suffering from pneumonia.

Gambon’s journey into the limelight began with a stage performance in Dublin’s production of Othello in 1962. His career trajectory soared when he joined Laurence Olivier’s National Theatre acting company in London, eventually winning three Olivier awards for his roles in the company’s productions.

Beyond his iconic role as Dumbledore, which he assumed after the passing of Richard Harris in 2003, Gambon was recognized for his roles in ITV’s Maigret series, BBC’s The Singing Detective, and films like Gosford Park and The King’s Speech.

Fellow Harry Potter co-star, Fiona Shaw, remembered him as a “magnificent trickster” with unparalleled skill in handling text. Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy, recalled Gambon’s “fearless, filthy sense of fun” and his profound impact on Isaacs’ understanding of acting.

Dame Eileen Atkins, a close friend of Gambon, reminisced about his commanding stage presence and his gentle nature, stating, “There was something incredibly sweet inside Michael.”

Gambon’s final stage appearance was in 2012 in a London rendition of Samuel Beckett’s All That Fall.

Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment world, with the Irish Prime Minister, Leo Varadkar, lauding him as a “great actor” who gave his all, whether in Beckett, Dennis Potter, or Harry Potter.