Michael Gambon, the Irish actor best known for his roles as Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight “Harry Potter” movies, died at 82 years old. A statement from his publicist 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.”
The statement continues, “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 known for his extensive work across film, TV, and radio, with another of his most significant roles as the psoriasis-ridden investigator in the 1980s hit series “The Singing Detective.” He was born in Cabra, Dublin, but moved to London as a child.
He grew up in an Irish immigrant community in Camden, and his first job was as an apprentice toolmaker, where he developed a passion for antique clocks, guns, and classic cars that lasted a lifetime. “I’ve always been an obsessive collector of things,” he told a Guardian interviewer. “Richard Briers collects stamps. I collect cars and guns, which are much more expensive and much more difficult to store.” While apprenticing as a toolmaker, Gambon studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, making his professional stage debut in Dublin’s The Gate Theatre production of “Othello.”
He caught the attention of actor Laurence Olivier, who hired him to join the newly-formed National Theatre Company. Gambon joined the Birmingham Repertory Company four years later, finally playing title roles in his favorite Shakespearean plays. It wasn’t until the 1980s that Gambon became a household name, playing the lead character Philip Marlow in the 1986 TV miniseries “The Singing Detective.” In 1990, he was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Eight years later, he was made a Knight Bachelor for his services to drama.
But it was as Hogwarts’ headmaster Dumbledore in the “Harry Potter” film series that Gambon will perhaps be best remembered, a role he took up following the death of Richard Harris in 2002. In all, Gambon was cast as Dumbledore for six of the eight “Harry Potter” films. His other film work includes the big screen adaptation of Dad’s Army, Gosford Park and the King’s Speech, in which he portrayed King George V, father of the stammering King George VI.
James Phelps, who played Fred Weasley in the “Harry Potter” film franchise, posted a tribute to Gambon on X, formerly known as Twitter. He wrote, “Very sorry to hear about the passing of Michael Gambon. He was, on and off the camera, a legend. He was always very funny and very welcoming to share any knowledge he had,” detailing a fond memory he had working with the veteran actor between takes on the sixth “Harry Potter” movie.
Throughout his career, Gambon won multiple Best Actor awards at the British Academy Television Awards (BAFTAs) and was nominated for two Emmy awards.