Legendary Actor Michael Gambon, Who Played Dumbledore In Harry Potter Films, Dies At 82

Sir Michael Gambon, renowned for his portrayal of Professor Albus Dumbledore in the "Harry Potter" film series, has passed away at the age of 82. A statement released on behalf of his wife, Lady Gambon, and son Fergus by publicist Claire Dobbs confirmed this sad news:?

“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. Michael was 82. We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love.”

Tributes from fans worldwide flooded in for the Irish actor following the shocking news of his passing.?

Many took to social media platforms, particularly Twitter, to express their sadness and remember him as a great actor.?

Fans even shared memorable quotes from his iconic role in the "Harry Potter" series.

“RIP Michael Gambon. Brilliant actor and grandfather of wizardry,”?wrote a fan.

Twitter

Another fan commented, "'While we may come from different places and speak in different tongues, our hearts beat as one.’ RIP Michael Gambon; another legend taken, but their legacy lives on.”

“Actor Michael Gambon has died of pneumonia at age 82. I was first introduced to him as the nasty crime boss, Albert Spica, in The Cook, the Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover. He was a terrific actor. RIP, Sir Michael,” wrote another.

Take a look at some other reactions here:

Michael Gambon, born in Dublin, Ireland, on October 19, 1940, grew up in London.?

Initially trained as an engineer, he later pursued a successful acting career, earning accolades such as three Olivier Awards and two Screen Actor Guild Awards.?

His television work also earned him four British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards. In 1998, Queen Elizabeth II knighted him in recognition of his contributions to drama.

When Laurence Olivier's first production of "Hamlet" at the National Theatre Company offered him a small part in 1963, Michael Gambon's acting career officially began.

His most iconic role was that of Professor Albus Dumbledore in the "Harry Potter" film series, starting with the third installment, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," following the passing of Richard Harris. Gambon revealed he hadn't read J.K. Rowling's novels and preferred to follow the scripts closely.

According to the Associated Press, Michael Gambon retired from acting in 2015 because he was having trouble remembering lines as he got older.?

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, he shared his struggle, saying it saddened him.

Apart from his role as Dumbledore, Gambon was recognized for playing the French detective Maigret in "Fantastic Mr. Fox" and his appearance in "The Singing Detective."

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