Summary
- Harry Potter actor Sir Michael Gambon has passed away at the age of 82 from pneumonia.
- Sir Michael Gambon is known for playing the role of Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter movie franchise, in addition to many other roles.
- Sir Michael Gambon’s wife and son released a statement asking for privacy during this difficult time and expressing gratitude for the messages of support and love.
Harry Potter movie franchise star Sir Michael Gambon has passed away. The iconic Irish and English actor, who was born in Dublin on October 19, 1940, is best known to contemporary audiences as Harry Potter‘s Albus Dumbledore, the mysterious headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Gambon played the role from 2004’s Prisoner of Azkaban through 2011’s Deathly Hallows Part 2, replacing original actor Richard Harris when he passed away after filming the first two movies.
Per The Guardian, Sir Michael Gambon has passed away from pneumonia at age 82. His publicist Clair Dobbs released a statement from his wife and son Lady Gambon and Fergus Gambon, which said “thank you for your messages of support and love.” Read their full statement below, as well as a memorial message from the official Harry Potter Film Instagram account:
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.
On the Harry Potter Film post, the caption that accompanies a black-and-white photo of Dumbledore reads “We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Michael Gambon. He brought immeasurable joy to Harry Potter fans from all over the world with his humour, kindness and grace. We will forever hold his memory in our hearts.“
Michael Gambon’s Legacy Extends Far Beyond Harry Potter
Although the beloved actor is well known for his role as the iconic Dumbledore, who he played for the better part of a decade, the legacy he leaves behind spans far beyond the Wizarding World. In addition to his work onscreen, he was an accomplished stage actor who won 3 Olivier Awards out of 13 nominations. In fact, he was knighted for services to drama in 1999, years before he ever joined the Harry Potter cast.
The decorated actor has also won four BAFTAs out of four nominations, for his roles in the television titles The Singing Detective, Wives and Daughters, Longitude, and Perfect Strangers. While he was recognized fewer times by American awards bodies, he was also nominated for two Emmys for Path to War and the 2009 miniseries adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma.
Other major pre-Harry Potter projects starring Sir Michael Gambon included The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover and Gosford Park. He also appeared in other big titles during and after his stint as Dumbledore, such as Layer Cake, the Omen remake, The King’s Speech, Paddington, and Doctor Who. After appearing as Bernard Delfont in the Oscar-nominated biopic Judy, his final role was in the 2019 psychological thriller Cordelia. Gambon leaves behind a huge artistic legacy and will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and fans.
Source: The Guardian