Michael Gambon, Actor Who Played Prof. Dumbledore In 6 ‘Harry Potter’ Movies, Dies At Age 82
LONDON (AP) — Veteran actor Michael Gambon, known to many for portraying Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight “Harry Potter” films, has died, his publicist said Thursday. He was 82.
2023-09-28 16:55:46 - VI News Staff
A statement by his family, issued by his publicist, said he died following “a bout of pneumonia.”
“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,” his family said.
No matter what role he took on in a career that lasted more than five decades, Gambon was always instantly recognizable by the deep and drawling tones of his voice. He was cast as the much-loved Dumbledore after his predecessor, Richard Harris, died in 2002.
He once acknowledged not having read any of J. K. Rowling’s best-selling books, arguing that it was safer to follow the script rather than be too influenced by the books. That didn’t prevent him from embodying the spirit of Professor Dumbledore, the powerful wizard who fought against evil to protect his students.
Although the Potter role raised Gambon’s international profile and introduced him to a new generation of fans, he had long been recognized as one of Britain’s leading actors. His work spanned TV, theatre and radio, and he starred in dozens of films from “Gosford Park” to “The King’s Speech” and the animated family movie “Paddington.”
Gambon was knighted for services to drama in 1998.
Born in Ireland on Oct. 19, 1940, Gambon was raised in London and trained initially as an engineer, following in his father’s footsteps. He made his theatre debut in a production of “Othello” in Dublin.