‘Harry Potter’ Actor Sir Michael Gambon Has Died at the Age of 82

Harry Potter’s wise, mysterious Hogwarts heaster Albus Dumbledore, has died. He was 82.

A jovial actor in the classic British style, he once said that he preferred playing villains, and indeed put in some memorable turns as menacing characters, including a Satanic crime boss in Peter Greenaway’s ‘The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover.’

Michael Gambon: Early life and career

Born in Dublin on October 19th, 1940, Gambon was raised in London and originally trained as an engineer, following in the footsteps of his father. He made his theater debut in a production of ‘Othello’ in Dublin.

In 1963 he got his first big break with a minor role in ‘Hamlet,’ the National Theatre Company’s opening production, under the directorship of the legendary Laurence Olivier.

Gambon soon became a distinguished stage actor and received critical acclaim for his leading performance in ‘Life of Galileo,’ directed by John Dexter. He was frequently nominated for awards and won the Laurence Olivier Award 3 times and the Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards twice.

Michael Gambon: TV work

On the small screen, Gambon played the central role in the BBC’s ‘The Singing Detective’, and also portrayed a sleuth in an early ‘90s adaptation of Georges Simenon’s ‘Maigret’ novels.

He starred as Prior Walter in Top Gear,' taking a corner so quickly in the ‘Star in a Reasonably-Priced Car’ segment that it was subsequently named ‘Gambon’ in his honor.

Related Article: Watch 'Harry Potter' Movies in Order Including the 'Fantastic Beasts' Prequels

Michael Gambon: film work

Though he gained worldwide recognition for taking over the role of Dumbledore following the death of Richard Harris (who had played the character in the first two ‘Potter’ outings), he also had a long and successful movie career in a variety of roles.

Through his long stint on the big screen, Gambon worked with several notable directors – starring in Judy’.

Gambon family statement

Gambon’s wife and son released a statement on his ing via his publicist:
“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 and love.”

Michael Gambon Movies:

• 'Mobsters' (1991)
• ‘Toys' (1992)
• 'Clean Slate' (1994)
• 'Mary Reilly' (1996)
• 'The Insider' (1999)
• ‘Sleepy Hollow' (1999)
• 'Gosford Park' (2001)
• 'Ali G Indahouse' (2002)
• 'Open Range' (2003)
• ‘Sylvia' (2003)
• 'Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow' (2004)
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' (2004)
• 'The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou' (2004)
• 'Layer Cake' (2005)
• 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire' (2005)
• 'The Omen' (2006)
• 'The Good Shepherd' (2006)
• 'Amazing Grace' (2006)
• 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' (2007)
• 'Fantastic Mr. Fox' (2009)
• 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' (2009)
• 'The Book of Eli' (2010)
• 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1' (2010)
• 'The King's Speech' (2010)
• 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2' (2011)
• 'Paddington' (2015)
• 'Hail, Caesar!' (2016)
• 'Kingsman: The Golden Circle' (2017)
• 'Paddington 2' (2018)
• 'Judy' (2019)

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