Sir Michael Gambon, renowned for his portrayal of the quirky and kind-hearted wizard Dumbledore in many Harry Potter movies, has passed away at the age of 82 in a hospital, as confirmed by his family.
In addition to his role as the wizard in six out of the eight films in the series, Gambon's illustrious five-decade career also earned him four TV Bafta awards, a remarkable achievement.
The Irish-English actor, is also well-known for playing the French detective Jules Maigret in the ITV show Maigret, and for appearing in the BBC's The Singing Detective, both of which were produced by the BBC.
His wife, Lady Anne Gambon, and son, Fergus Gambon, issued a statement expressing their loss: “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.”
After the passing of the esteemed actor, several actors from the Harry Potter series chose to honor and pay tribute to him.
JK Rowling's first meeting with Michael Gambon
On X (ex Twitter), JK Rowling shared her memories of her initial encounter with the future wizard, Michael Gambon, saying, "I've just heard the awful news about Michael Gambon. The first time I ever laid eyes on him was in King Lear, in 1982, and if you'd told me then that brilliant actor would appear in anything I'd written, I'd have thought you were insane."
She also extended her condolences and appreciation, stating, "Michael was a wonderful man in addition to being an outstanding actor, and I absolutely loved working with him, not only on Potter but also The Casual Vacancy. My deepest condolences go to Michael's family and everyone who loved him."
Michael Gambon was "silly, irreverent, hilarious" for Daniel Radcliffe
Daniel Radcliffe, who portrayed Harry Potter throughout the film series, shared his thoughts with Variety: “With the loss of Michael Gambon the world just became considerably less fun. Michael Gambon was one of the most brilliant, effortless actors I’ve ever had the privilege of working with, but despite his immense talent, the thing I will remember most about him is how much fun he had doing his job."
Radcliffe added: ”He was silly, irreverent and hilarious. He loved his job, but never seemed defined by it. He was an incredible story and joke teller, and his habit of blurring the lines of fact and fiction when talking to journalists meant that he was also one of the most entertaining people with whom you could ever wish to do a press junket."
He continued: "The sixth film was where I got to spend the most time working with Michael, and he made the hours spent in front of a green screen together more memorable and joyous than they had any right to be. I’m so sad to hear he has passed, but I am so grateful for the fact that I am one of the lucky people who got to work with him."
Rupert Grint's heartfelt message
Rupert Grint played Ron Weasley one of Harry Potter's closest friends and a key character in the story. Under a picture of Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore, he recalls his first encounter with the senior when he was still a teenager.
“So sad to hear about Michael,” Grint captioned. “He brought so much warmth and mischief to every day on set. He captivated me as a kid and became a personal role model of mine for finding the fun and eccentricities in life. Sending all my love to his family, Rupert.”
Through the use of the same picture as Grint on Instagram, Bonnie Wright, sister of Ron's character, Ginnie, revealed: “I was forever in awe of Michael’s presence and performance. His deep mischievous voice between scenes would vibrate through the Great Hall. He was Dumbledore through and through a constant, warm and guiding figure.”
Picture Credits: Warner Bros
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