Harry Potter actor Sir Micheal Gambon dies at 82

The Olivier award-winning veteran actor Sir Micheal Gambon, who was known for his portrayal of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in six of the ‘Harry Potter’ films, died on Thursday. He was 82.

Sir Micheal worked in TV, films, theatre, and radio over his five-decade career and he started his services in the entertainment industry in 1998. He won four Bafta awards in the ‘leading actor’ category in 1987, 2000, 2001, and 2002.

Lady Gambon, his widow, and son Fergus said, “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon. Beloved husband and father died peacefully in hospital with his Annie and son Fegas at his side”.

Justice to Professor Dumbledore

He once agreed not having read any of J. K. Rowling’s best-selling books, and argued that it was safer to follow the script rather than to be influenced by Rowling’s books. Although he did justice to the character that didn’t prevent him from personifying the spirit of Professor Dumbledore, the powerful wizard who fought against evil to protect his beloved students.

Rest in peace to Michael Gambon who passed away this morning. He was a remarkable actor and while many know him for his iconic role as Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series, I would like to highlight another brilliant performance of his as President Lyndon B. Johnson in… pic.twitter.com/4wcV11nuRB

— The NATO Report (@NATOReport) September 28, 2023

Besides JK Rowling’s novels, Sir Micheal Gambon played the role of French detective Jules Maigret in the ITV series Maigret. He is also known for his famous role on BBC as Philip Marlow in Dennis Potter’s ‘The Singing Detective’.

His work includes TV, theaters, and radio and he worked in dozens of films from ‘Gosford Park’ to ‘The King’s Speech’ and the animated family movie ‘Paddington’.

Micheal Gambon retired from the stage in 2015 following struggling to remember his dialogues in front of a large audience due to his advancing age.

Micheal’s childhood

Micheal was born in Ireland on October 19, 1940. He was raised in London and originally trained as an engineer, following the footsteps of his father. He made his theater debut in Dublin, with the production of ‘Othello’.