British actor Sir Michael Gambon has died. He passed away Thursday at the age of 82 in the hospital after suffering from pneumonia. His death was reported by his widow, Lady Gambon, and his son, Fergus Gambon. His publicist, Clair Dobbs, issued a statement that was obtained by Mirror:
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.
Actor and Harry Potter star Sir Michael Gambon dies aged 82 https://t.co/M2K4FGNlah
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) September 28, 2023
Albus Dumbledore, Sir Michael Gambon's most famous role
The "Harry Potter" film saga was, without a doubt, one of the most successful of Gambon's acting career. He played the headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore, in six of the eight films that make up the saga. The role was obtained after the sudden death of the original actor, Richard Harris in 2004.
Gambon's other well-known roles were that of a psychotic mafia leader in "The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover" (1989) as well as the elderly King George V in "The King's Speech" (2010). On the small screen, his roles in "The Singing Detective" and "Maigret" also stood out.
Born in 1940, the performer began in the world of acting in 1962. Throughout his career, Gambon won four BAFTA awards and two Screen Actors Guild Awards, among many others. However, his greatest honor was when, recalls The Guardian, in 1998, Queen Elizabeth II of England appointed him Knight Bachelor for his acting contribution to the United Kingdom.
The acting world bids farewell to Gambon
The acting world was quick to offer its condolences to mourn the death of Sir Michael Gambon. One of the first to bid farewell was his "Harry Potter" co-star James Phelps, who played Fred Weasley in the iconic film saga:
Very sorry to hear about the passing of Michael Gambon. He was, on and off the camera, a legend. Just a little memory of Michael pic.twitter.com/4M6E6inWMy
— James Phelps (@James_Phelps) September 28, 2023
He was not the only one. Throughout the morning, BAFTA, as well as actors and fans of the magical universe took to social media to mourn the death of the actor who played the iconic Albus Dumbledore:
We're saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Michael Gambon CBE. Sir Michael won 4 Best Actor BAFTAs for his work in television, including for The Singing Detective in 1987, and went on to play the much-loved Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films. pic.twitter.com/1FagaPWgw4
— BAFTA (@BAFTA) September 28, 2023
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. pic.twitter.com/1CoTF3zeTo
— Harry Potter (@harrypotter) September 28, 2023
