Harry Potter star Sir Michael Gambon has died at the age of 82.
The actor began his lengthy career more than 60 years ago treading the boards in many iconic roles but was much-loved with audiences for his role as Professor Albus Dumbledore. He was also one of the original members of the Royal National Theatre alongside Laurence Olivier.
A statement on behalf of his wife Lady Gambon and son Fergus Gambon, issued by publicist Clair Dobbs, shared on Thursday (September 28), sread: “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.”
They concluded: “We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love.” Fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to the Hollywood “legend”.
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One fan penned: “A legendary actor and part of the golden generation of British Cinema. A true great and a real loss to the world of film and television. RIP Michael Gambon.” Another added: “I’ve loved watching this guy for a long time. #MichaelGambon.” A third person said: “So very sad. RIP #michaelgambon.”
(Image: PA)
The role of Hogwarts headmaster Dumbledore was played by Richard Harris in the first two Harry Potter movies. Following Harris’ death in October 2002, Gambon portrayed the professor in the six remaining Harry Potter films from 2004 to 2011.
According to Today, Gambon said he it “very odd” how powerful characters like his in the Harry Potter saga are. “It’s very odd I hadn’t realised before just how powerful these things are. I just do the job and go home and you forget it.”
(Image: Sportsphoto Ltd./Allstar)
He further shared how, after Harris passed away, he was called by his close company, which included the late Alan Rickman, Jim Broadbent, and Maggie Smith, to play the Headmaster. Gambon said: “They rang me up and said, ‘Will you do it?’ Like any other job, I said, ‘Sure’. “Then you find yourself in the middle of this thing.”
Gambon left school aged 15 and did not receive any formal training at drama school, instead gaining experience through performing in amateur productions. He was born in Dublin in 1940, his father moved to London and was a reserve policeman during the Second WorldWwar.
(Image: Capitol Films)
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He is said to have bluffed his way into his first professional roles by fibbing about his experience, making his debut in Dublin in a small role in Othello. Aged 22, he had his West End debut as an understudy in The Bed-Sitting Room. He also took an acting course at the Royal Court run by George Devine and William Gaskill.
The actor also played French detective Jules Maigret in the ITV series Maigret, as well as starring in the BBC series, The Singing Detective. He won four BAFTAs, two RTS Awards and an Olivier.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
