British-Irish Actor Michael Gambon, Known for ‘Harry Potter’ Role, Dies at 82
British-Irish actor Michael Gambon, famous for his portrayal of the wise professor Albus Dumbledore in the “Harry Potter” movie franchise, passed away at the age of 82. His career was launched by his mentor Laurence Olivier. Gambon’s family confirmed his peaceful passing in a hospital.
Gambon began his acting journey on the stage in the early 1960s before transitioning to TV and film. Notable roles include a psychotic mob leader in Peter Greenaway’s “The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover” (1989) and the elderly King George V in Tom Hooper’s “The King’s Speech” (2010). However, he is most widely recognized for his portrayal of Albus Dumbledore, a role he took over from Richard Harris in 2004.
Michael John Gambon was born on October 19, 1940, in Dublin. His family relocated to London when he was six years old. Gambon had a strong desire to act from a young age and drew inspiration from American actors Marlon Brando and James Dean. In 1962, he auditioned for Olivier, who selected him as one of the founding members of the National Theatre.
Gambon made a name for himself on stage, with notable performances such as his portrayal of Galileo in John Dexter’s “Life of Galileo” (1980). He gained wider attention in the 1980s with his lead role in the TV show “The Singing Detective” (1986), which earned him a BAFTA award.
In addition to his successful acting career, Gambon was awarded a Commander of the British Empire in 1992 and knighted for his contributions to drama in 1998. He was a mischievous personality known for his playful stories and pranks.
Although he retired from the stage in 2015 due to long-term memory problems, Gambon continued to act in films until 2019. He often expressed his gratitude for his work, considering himself the luckiest man in the world.
Throughout his life, Gambon had two partners and three children. He is survived by his family and leaves behind a legacy of remarkable performances.
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