Harry Potter Star Michael Gambon Dies At 82, Remembered As Dumbledore

Harry Potter star Michael Gambon has died at age 82. And his family shared their heartbreak in a statement about the actor.

Find out what Gambon’s family revealed. And learn more about the Harry Potter star’s life.

Michael Gambon Dies At 82

Famed for portraying Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Michael Gambon died at age 82. The experienced actor portrayed Dumbledore in six of the eight Harry Potter movies. And his publicist shared a statement from his family via the Sun.

The announcement about Gambon’s death revealed that he passed away after a “bout of pneumonia.” And his family shared, “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.”

In a career that covered more than 50 years, Gambon became known for his trademark drawling, deep voice. He took on the role of fan favorite Dumbledore after his predecessor, Richard Harris, died in 2002.  And through the Harry Potter movies, Gambon become a beloved star. 

Michael Gambon was an incredible actor, his speech in Layer Cake is one of the best short mob-monologues ever put to film. R.I.P. #michaelgambon pic.twitter.com/DTHLDr8zv9

— Kevin De Criticus (@MrScaryPicture) September 28, 2023

Michael Gambon Began With Shakespeare Plays

However, the actor actually worked as an engineer and toolmaker before finding his niche in acting. Born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1940, Gambon headed to the theater at the start of his career. And he became known for his roles in Shakespeare plays including Othello and Richard III.

But starting in 2004, Harry Potter fans came to adore Gambon as Hogwarts’ headmaster Dumbledore. For instance, the actor received rave reviews for his role in The Prisoner of Azkaban. But Gambon also starred in Gosford Park (2001), Ali G Indahouse (2002), Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) and The King’s Speech (2010).

And the actor portrayed pulp thriller scribe Philip Marlowe in the serial drama The Singing Detective. Gambon’s BBC TV successes included Perfect Strangers and Emma. But in all, the actor received four BAFTA’s for his TV work, three Oliver Awards and two Screen Actors Guild Award’s. And in 1998, Gambon was knighted in The Queen’s New Years’ Honors for services to drama.

Social Media Honors Michael Gambon

And on social media, Dumbledore trended along with Michael Gambon in honor of the actor. For instance, Jeremy Clarkson posted his memory of the actor. And the former Top Gear presenter recalled how Gambon earned a corner named after him on the show’s race track.

The actor had taken the corner on just two wheels. And Clarkson tweeted, “I’m so sad to hear that Michael Gambon has died. He was hugely amusing, and such a tremendous guest, we even named a corner after him.”

And a fan wrote, “RIP Michael Gambon. ‘Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light’ – Albus Dumbledore.” Gambon is survived by wife Anne Miller and his three children.

Tell us what you think. What are your favorite memories of Michael Gambon in Harry Potter? And after you share your views, check back on our site for more celebrity news.

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