At 82, Dumbledore Actor Michael Gambon Passes Away

Sep 28, 2023

Sir Micheal Gambon was known for his extensive range of work across TV, film, radio, and the stage. He was born in Cabra, Dublin, to Mary Hoare, a seamstress, and Edward Gambon, an engineer. The family moved to London when he was a child. Gambon followed the path of his humble beginnings and took on a job as an apprentice toolmaker. He developed a passion for antique guns, clocks, and classic cars that lasted a lifetime. 

However, his interest in the performing arts led him to join the National Theatre, where actor Laurence Olivier mentored him. A few years later, he joined the Birmingham Repertory Company, where he played title roles in his favorite Shakespearean plays, including Othello, King Lear, Mark Anthony, and Volpone. 

Gambon got his breakthrough in 1980 when he took the lead role in John Dexter’s production of “Galileo” and became a household name in 1986 when he played the lead character Philip Marlow in the Anglo-American public television mini-series “The Singing Detective.” The late Sir Ralph Richardson described him as “The Great Gambon,” and he is now considered one of the British theater’s leading lights. He was made a CBE in 1992. 

However, he achieved worldwide renown when he played Hogwarts’ headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, in the “Harry Potter” film series. Interestingly, Gambon took up the role following the death of Richard Harris in 2002. In all, Gambon was cast as Dumbledore for six of the eight “Harry Potter” films.

News of his death broke out on Sept. 28, 2023, when his family shared a statement. Keep reading for the details. 

The late actor’s family announced Gambon’s death on Sept. 28, 2023, revealing that he passed on at 82 following a “bout of pneumonia.”

“We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon,” the statement issued by his publicist Clair Dobbs said, according to PA media news agency.

“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,” the statement continued.

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

Gambon is survived by three sons, Fergus Gambon, Thomas Gambon, and William Gambon. The actor shared Fergus with his wife, Lady Anne Miller, and Thomas and William, his teen sons, with partner Phillipa Hart. Gambon worked with Hart and fell in love with her. He also took her to a movie set in 2001 and introduced her as his girlfriend.

The actor is fondly remembered by costars and fans who consider him one of the greatest actors to have lived. Fiona Shaw, who played Petunia Dursley in the “Harry Potter” films, told BBC Radio 4’s The World at One: 

“He varied his career remarkably and never judged what he was doing, he just played.”

She said she would always think of him “as a trickster, just a brilliant, magnificent trickster,” adding: “With text, there was nothing like him. He could do anything.””

However, Gambon never took himself seriously. 

“Every part I play is just a variant of my own personality,” he once said, according to the BBC. “No real character actor, just me.”

Did you watch Harry Potter? Did you enjoy watching Sir Gambon in his role as Dumbledore? What is your favorite memory of him? We will surely miss this great actor who gave his all to keep us entertained.