Michael Gambon, the Irish-English actor who was known for playing the iconic role of Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter film series, has sadly passed away at the age of 82. Fans and those who have worked closely with the actor are shocked by this news. Many have begun sending love and condolences to the actor’s loved ones.
THE OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE LOSS OF SIR MICHAEL GAMBON
According to Gambon’s publicist, the actor passed away due to a “bout of Pneumonia.” The official statement reads:
“We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon. Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of Pneumonia. Michael was 82. We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love.”
-Michael Gambon’s Publicist Official Statement-
IN REMEMBRANCE
Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe paid tribute to the veteran actor. In a statement that was shared with USA TODAY by his representative, Radcliffe spoke about how Gambon was the most brilliant and effortless actor he has ever had the privilege of working with.
RELATED: Steven Spielberg Reveals the Heartwarming Reason He Turned Down Directing the Harry Potter Franchise
“He was silly, irreverent and hilarious. He loved his job, but never seemed defined by it. He was an incredible story and joke teller and his habit of blurring the lines of fact and fiction when talking to journalists meant that he was also one of the most entertaining people with whom you could ever wish to do a press junket.”
-Daniel Radcliffe on Michael Gambon-
Rupert Grint who played alongside Radcliffe posted on Instagram on how Gambon brought “warmth and mischief to every day set.” He continues by saying that he saw the actor as a role model.
In her own tribute to Gambon, author of the Harry Potter book series, J.K Rowling wrote a story on X about “the first time I ever laid eyes on him,” in a 1982 production of King Lear. She also explains how she loved working with the actor not only in the fantasy film series but also in the BBC’s adaptation of her novel, The Casual Vacancy.
Other actors who have sent tributes to the actor are Emma Watson, Ralph Fiennes, James Phelps, Jason Isaacs, and many more.
GAMBON’S LIFE AND CAREER
Michael Gambon was born in 1940 in Ireland. His acting career began on stage and was hired by late actor and director Laurence Olivier to join in the National Theatre’s first production of Hamlet. From his stage acting, he won multiple awards for his stage acting, including some Olivier Awards.
(© Carol Rosegg)
In 1986, he became a big-named actor after starring in the BBC series The Singing Detective. He earned his first of four BAFTA Awards and he was knighted in 1998. Before earning the role of Albus Dumbledore following the death of actor Richard Harris, he was a versatile actor showing up in many films and television roles such as Paddington and Hail, Caesar!
Gambon had a powerful presence among audiences with his rueful features. He has described himself as looking like a manager of a department store while a fellow actor has called him a “wonderful, limitless machine, like a Lamborghini.” He lived a private life and was always reluctant when it came to doing any interviews.
RELATED: Max Orders First Ever Harry Potter Television Series
His acting career spanned from 1962 to 2019. Even though his death will leave a hole in the hearts of a generation who have grown up with the books and films, he will always be remembered as one of the most powerful wizards in the fantasy world that is Harry Potter.
Are you a fan of the Harry Potter films/book series? What Hogwarts house are you? What do you think about the new Harry Potter TV series that is set to release soon on Max? Let us know and don’t forget to check out our socials! If you are into Pop culture and everything that is entertainment, follow us to keep you updated on the late TV/film news!
Source: NPR | USA TODAY | The Guardian
KEEP READING: BOLD CLAIM: One Piece is the New Harry Potter
