The world mourns the loss of Dumbledore: Sir Michael Gambon passes away at 82
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It’s with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to the beloved actor, Sir Michael Gambon.
The actor's family released a statement, saying: ‘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.’
In his most notable role, Sir Michael portrayed Hogwarts’ Headmaster Professor Albus Dumbledore—one of the most popular characters in Harry Potter.
Sir Michael took up the role in 2004, following the late Richard Harris, who had starred as Dumbledore in the first two films. He then played the legendary wizard in the succeeding six Harry Potter films.
Sir Michael was adored by audiences of all ages and became a critical part of what made the franchise so popular. He was the mentor and role model for the main character, Harry, in the show.
Many fans paid tribute to the actor on social media, with one writing: ‘Raising our wands for Michael Gambon.’
Another person posted: 'Michael Gambon will live on in the hearts and the memories of every single person whose childhoods he lit up by his brilliant portrayal of Albus Dumbledore.’
Harry Potter co-star Daniel Radcliffe, who played the titular role in the films, said, ‘I’m so sad to hear he has passed, but I am so grateful for the fact that I am one of the lucky people who got to work with him.’
Emma Watson, another Harry Potter actor, also shared a tribute to Sir Michael:
Aside from Harry Potter, Sir Michael portrayed many famous roles like Kazran Sardick in the popular TV series Doctor Who in the 2010 episode, ‘A Christmas Carol’.
He was also part of Tim Burton’s gothic supernatural horror film Sleepy Hollow and played the character of Baltus Van Tassel. He took on the role of King George V in the British historical drama The King’s Speech in 2010, along with Colin Firth, who played his son.
Before making his film debut, Sir Michael was one of the original members of the Royal National Theatre. He made his theatre debut in 1962’s production of Othello as a Second Gentleman.
In his career, he was nominated for a Tony Award and 13 Olivier Awards—three of which were won in his roles in the plays A Chorus of Disapproval, A View from the Bridge, and Man of the Moment.
Sir Michael also received two Screen Actors Guild Awards for the films Godsford Park and The King’s Speech and four British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) Awards as Best Actor.
In 1998, Sir Michael was appointed by Queen Elizabeth II as a Knight Bachelor for his services to drama.
Sir Michael Gambon leaves behind a legacy that is anything but ordinary. From his amazing achievements in theatre and acting to his notable career in the long-standing Harry Potter series.
Members, today we mourn the loss of a truly remarkable actor. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Sir Michael.
The actor's family released a statement, saying: ‘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.’
In his most notable role, Sir Michael portrayed Hogwarts’ Headmaster Professor Albus Dumbledore—one of the most popular characters in Harry Potter.
Sir Michael Gambon passed away on September 28 at the age of 82. Credit: @HPotterUniverse/X (Twitter)
Sir Michael took up the role in 2004, following the late Richard Harris, who had starred as Dumbledore in the first two films. He then played the legendary wizard in the succeeding six Harry Potter films.
Sir Michael was adored by audiences of all ages and became a critical part of what made the franchise so popular. He was the mentor and role model for the main character, Harry, in the show.
Many fans paid tribute to the actor on social media, with one writing: ‘Raising our wands for Michael Gambon.’
Another person posted: 'Michael Gambon will live on in the hearts and the memories of every single person whose childhoods he lit up by his brilliant portrayal of Albus Dumbledore.’
Harry Potter co-star Daniel Radcliffe, who played the titular role in the films, said, ‘I’m so sad to hear he has passed, but I am so grateful for the fact that I am one of the lucky people who got to work with him.’
Emma Watson, another Harry Potter actor, also shared a tribute to Sir Michael:
Emma Watson posted her tribute on social media. Credit: @emmawatson/Instagram
Aside from Harry Potter, Sir Michael portrayed many famous roles like Kazran Sardick in the popular TV series Doctor Who in the 2010 episode, ‘A Christmas Carol’.
He was also part of Tim Burton’s gothic supernatural horror film Sleepy Hollow and played the character of Baltus Van Tassel. He took on the role of King George V in the British historical drama The King’s Speech in 2010, along with Colin Firth, who played his son.
Before making his film debut, Sir Michael was one of the original members of the Royal National Theatre. He made his theatre debut in 1962’s production of Othello as a Second Gentleman.
In his career, he was nominated for a Tony Award and 13 Olivier Awards—three of which were won in his roles in the plays A Chorus of Disapproval, A View from the Bridge, and Man of the Moment.
Sir Michael also received two Screen Actors Guild Awards for the films Godsford Park and The King’s Speech and four British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) Awards as Best Actor.
In 1998, Sir Michael was appointed by Queen Elizabeth II as a Knight Bachelor for his services to drama.
Sir Michael Gambon leaves behind a legacy that is anything but ordinary. From his amazing achievements in theatre and acting to his notable career in the long-standing Harry Potter series.
Members, today we mourn the loss of a truly remarkable actor. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Sir Michael.
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