The renowned actor Michael Gambon, widely known for portraying Albus Dumbledore in numerous “Harry Potter” films, has passed away at 82 after suffering from pneumonia, as reported by PA Media news agency on Thursday, citing a statement released by his family.
“We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon,” conveyed the statement released by his publicist Clair Dobbs, as reported by PA.
“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.”
Gambon was renowned for his extensive catalog of work spanning TV, film, and radio, notably playing the role of a detective afflicted with psoriasis in the acclaimed 1980s series “The Singing Detective.”
A distinguished actor of his time, Gambon originated from Cabra, Dublin, before relocating to London during his childhood.
He was raised in an Irish immigrant neighborhood in Camden, and he initiated his professional journey as an apprentice toolmaker. He cultivated a lifelong interest in antique firearms, clocks, and vintage automobiles.
“I’ve always been an obsessive collector of things,” he disclosed to a Guardian reporter in 2004. “Richard Briers collects stamps. I collect cars and guns, which are much more expensive, and much more difficult to store.”
During his toolmaker apprenticeship, Gambon enrolled at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and started his professional theatre journey in Dublin’s Gate Theatre in “Othello” (1962).
He garnered the notice of Laurence Olivier, leading him to be recruited to the emergent National Theatre Company. Subsequently, he associated with the Birmingham Repertory Company, enacting lead roles in his preferred Shakespeare plays.
His rise to widespread recognition occurred in the 1980s, portraying Philip Marlow in the 1986 international TV miniseries “The Singing Detective.”
In 1990, he earned the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire, and in 1998, he was knighted for his contributions to drama.
However, his portrayal of Dumbledore in the “Harry Potter” series is likely his most memorable role, a position he embraced after Richard Harris’s demise in 2002. Gambon represented Dumbledore in six out of the eight films of the series.
Tributes for the ‘Icon’
Rupert Grint, Ron Weasley in the series, expressed his sorrow on Instagram. “So sad to hear about Michael. He brought so much warmth and mischief to every day on set,” Grint remarked.
“He captivated me as a kid and became a personal role model of mine for finding the fun and eccentricities in life.”
James Phelps, portraying Fred Weasley, paid his respects on X, formerly Twitter. “Very sorry to hear about the passing of Michael Gambon. He was, on and off the camera, a legend,” wrote Phelps.
“He was always very funny and very welcoming to share any knowledge he had,” he continued, reminiscing about enjoyable interactions with the seasoned actor during the filming of the sixth “Harry Potter” film.
