The Harry Potter community is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved actors. Michael Gambon, who played Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight Harry Potter films, died at the age of 82 on Thursday (September 28). His wife, Anne Miller, and son, Fergus Gambon, confirmed his death in a statement.
“Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia. We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love,” the statement read – shared by publicist Clair Dobbs – read.
Sir Michael Gambon: October 19, 1940 – September 28, 2023
— Harry Potter Universe (@HPotterUniverse) September 28, 2023
“To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.”
-Albus Dumbledore#RIPMichaelGambon pic.twitter.com/jgAqM7v3Z0
Gambon was born on October 19, 1940 in Dublin, Ireland, but his family moved to London when he was young. He was working as an apprentice toolmaker in Camden before he discovered his passion for theatre and acting. He studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where he started to hone his skills.
Michael Gambon made his professional stage debut in 1962 and his career started to take off from there. He joined the National Theatre Company after being discovered by Laurence Olivier and joined the Birmingham Repertory Company four years later, where he earned title roles in Shakespearean plays.
Sad to report that Michael Gambon, who played Albus Dumbledore in the last six Harry Potter films, has sadly passed away at the age of 82.
— Harry Potter Universe (@HPotterUniverse) September 28, 2023
Please raise your wands for Michael and all of his family and friends during this difficult time. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/VYgaqaAVEY
He continued to make a name for himself on the stage, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that he became a household name as he made the transition to television and film. His big break came in 1986 when he was cast as Philip Marlow in The Singing Detective. At this point, he was a superstar in the making.
Already a household name in Britain, his fame grew to new heights in 2004 when he was cast as Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban – the third installment of the Harry Potter franchise. He was replacing the great Richard Harris, who played Dumbledore prior to his death in 2002.
Sir Michael Gambon, who played Albus Dumbledore from the third Harry Potter film onwards, has sadly passed away at the age of 82.#RIPMichaelGambon pic.twitter.com/FuVx7P1Oxc
— Harry Potter World (@PotterWorldUK) September 28, 2023
Gambon continued to play Dumbledore in the next five installments of the franchise (six total) and played the character to perfection. “I just stick on a beard and play me, so it’s no great feat. I never ease into a role – every part I play is just a variant of my own personality,” Michael Gambon once said in an interview.
James Phelps Pays Tribute to Michael Gambon
James Phelps, who played Fred Weasley (older brother of Ron Weasley) in the Harry Potter franchise, took to X to pay tribute to Michael Gambon. He shared a story – that continues to resonate with him – about Gambon while they were filming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (the sixth installment).
Very sorry to hear about the passing of Michael Gambon. He was, on and off the camera, a legend. Just a little memory of Michael pic.twitter.com/4M6E6inWMy
— James Phelps (@James_Phelps) September 28, 2023
“I worked on the AD department for the whole shoot (apart from the days I was acting). And for that reason I spent many hours with Michael during the shoot. He was always very funny and very welcoming to share any knowledge he had,” Phelps said of his former colleague – who he learned a lot from.
Raising our wands for Michael Gambon. ???? pic.twitter.com/3sI79hwurn
— Potterhead Posts (@PotterheadPosts) September 28, 2023
He goes on to detail a moment while they were shooting the ‘final clock tower scene’ with Dumbledore – which he described as a ‘very intense scene.’ They were in between set-ups when Gambon asked Phelps if he had any plans that weekend. At the time, he was reading Peter and the Wolf with his brother.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 25 Harry Potter Memes for Wizards, Muggles, and Quidditch Fans
Gambon asked Phelps if he had the script with him – which Phelps did. “I’ve done that, let’s go through it and if you like I can give you some notes,” Gambon said to him. “So we spent what should have been his downtime going over my weekend gig. It is a memory I’ve always had as one of the highlights of my HP days.”
Mamas Uncut is THE online place for moms. We cover the latest about motherhood, parenting, and entertainment as well – all with a mom-focused twist. So if you're looking for parenting advice from real parents, we have plenty of it, all for moms from moms, and also experts. Because, at the end of the day, our mission is focused solely on empowering moms and moms-to-be with the knowledge and answers they’re looking for in one safe space.