Michael Gambon, Dumbledore actor in ‘Harry Potter,’ dies age 82
Actor Michael Gambon, best known for playing Albus Dumbledore in the majority of the “Harry Potter” films, died at the age of 82 after a “bout of pneumonia,” according to a statement issued on his behalf by his family on Thursday, PA Media reported.
“We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon,” his publicist Clair Dobbs said in a statement, according to PA.
“Michael, a beloved husband and father, died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus by his side, following a bout of pneumonia.” Michael was 82 years old.”
“We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love.”
Gambon was well-known for his extensive body of work in television, film, and radio, with one of his most notable roles as the psoriasis-ridden sleuth in the 1980s hit series “The Singing Detective.”
Gambon, one of the leading actors of his generation, was born in Cabra, Dublin, but moved to London as a child. He grew up in Camden, England, in an Irish immigrant community, and his first job was as an apprentice toolmaker.He developed a lifelong interest in antique guns, clocks, and classic cars.
“I’ve always been an obsessive collector of things,” he said in a 2004 interview with the Guardian. “Richard Briers is a stamp collector.” I collect cars and guns, which are significantly more expensive and difficult to store.”
Gambon studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art while working as a toolmaker, and made his professional stage debut in “Othello” (1962) at Dublin’s Gate Theatre.
Laurence Olivier, the actor, noticed him and hired him to join the newly formed National Theatre Company. Four years later, Gambon joined the Birmingham Repertory Company, where he finally got to play the title roles in his favorite Shakespeare plays.
Gambon rose to prominence in the 1980s as the lead character Philip Marlow in the Anglo-American public television miniseries “The Singing Detective.”
He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1990. Eight years later, he was knighted for his services to drama.
But Gambon is best known for his role as Hogwarts headmaster Dumbledore in the “Harry Potter” film series, which he took on after the death of Richard Harris in 2002. Gambon played Dumbledore in six of the eight “Harry Potter” films.
On Thursday, James Phelps, who played Fred Weasley in the “Harry Potter” film series, paid tribute to Gambon on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of Michael Gambon’s death. “On and off the screen, he was a legend,” Phelps wrote.
“He was always very funny and very welcoming to share any knowledge he had,” Phelps added, recalling working with the veteran actor between takes on the sixth “Harry Potter” film.
Gambon won Best Actor four times at the British Academy Television Awards and was nominated for two Emmys during his career.
