Sir Michael Gambon, the esteemed actor celebrated for his portrayal of Professor Albus Dumbledore in the "Harry Potter" series, has passed away at the age of 82. The news of his demise was confirmed in a statement released on behalf of his wife, Anne, and son, Fergus. The Irish-born actor succumbed peacefully in a hospital after a bout with pneumonia, with his loved ones by his side.
Born in Dublin on October 19, 1940, to a seamstress mother and an engineer father, Gambon's journey to the limelight was not a straight path. Initially following in his father's footsteps, he qualified as an engineer after completing his apprenticeship. However, the allure of the stage, kindled by a local theater group, proved irresistible. By the early 1960s, Gambon was professionally gracing the stage.
In a significant boost to his budding career, the legendary Shakespearean actor Laurence Olivier inducted him as one of the founding members of the National Theatre at London's Old Vic in 1962. This prestigious group also included emerging talents like Derek Jacobi and Maggie Smith.
While Gambon's stage reputation flourished, he simultaneously made strides in TV and film. His lead role in 1986's "The Singing Detective" garnered widespread acclaim, making him a household name in Britain. Over the years, he showcased his versatility with roles in films such as "The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover" (1989), "The King's Speech" (2010), and "Victoria & Abdul" (2017). He also ventured into comedy, featuring in Wes Anderson's films like "The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou" (2004) and "Fantastic Mr Fox" (2009).
Gambon's contributions to drama were recognized with a knighthood in 1998. His accolades include three Olivier Awards, two Critics' Circle Theatre Awards, and four British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards.
However, for many, Gambon's portrayal of Dumbledore in the "Harry Potter" series remains his most iconic role. Taking over from the late Richard Harris from the third film onward, Gambon's Dumbledore became a cornerstone of the franchise. Interestingly, despite the character's global fame, Gambon admitted to never having read any of J.K. Rowling's original books.
Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment world. Jared Harris, son of Richard Harris, remembered Gambon as a "brilliant actor", while James Phelps, who played Fred Weasley in the Harry Potter films, labeled him "a legend."
Gambon's departure from the stage in 2015 was attributed to the challenges of remembering lines due to age. A private individual, he is survived by his wife, Anne, their son, Fergus, and two sons from his relationship with set designer Philippa Hart.
