The death of legendary actor Michael Gambon after a successful life and career has left his Harry Potter family and fans all over the world in mourning. Michael Gambon confirmed dead on Thursday, September 28, was best known for his role as Professor Albus Dumbledore on Harry Potter. Before his demise, the icon etched his name in the time of sands, with his appearance on six of the eight films based on JK Rowling’s Harry Potter books. Additionally, he played Philip Marlowe in the eighties series, The Singing Detective.
Harry Potter’s Dumbledore Actor Michael Gambon Dead at 82
Michael Gambon’s publicist Clair Dobbs issued a statement on Thursday, confirming the Harry Potter actor was dead. In the statement, released on behalf of Michael’s family, the publicist revealed he died at eighty-two after suffering a bout of pneumonia that led to his hospitalization. It read,
“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.”
The publicist concluded the statement with an appeal to the public to respect the family’s privacy “in this peaceful time.” He also thanked the public for the messages, support and love that has poured in since the Dumbledore role-player Michael Gambon’s death hit the tabloids.
Harry Potter Stars pay Tribute to the Dumbledore Actor
Since his demise, several fans, loved ones and co-stars have utilized various platforms to pay tribute to Michael. Among them, Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter films. In his tribute, Jason described Michael Gambon as “Magnificent,” crediting his Harry Potter co-star with helping him learn the tenets of acting. He tweeted,
“I learned what acting could be from Michael in The Singing Detective – complex, vulnerable and utterly human. The greatest thrill of being in the Potter films was that he knew my name and shared his fearless, filthy sense of fun with me”
James Phelps, who starred in the Harry Potter franchise as Fred Weasley also shared a heartfelt tribute to Michael Gambon on X. He described the late actor as a legend, also recalling some iconic moments with him diring filming. Recounting the weekend Michael helped him go over a weekend gig, James tagged the memory as “one of the highlights” of his HP days.
The official Instagram page of the wizarding series also shared a sweet tribute to the late icon. The post reflected on Michael Gambon’s contribution to entertainment, and how he touched the lives of Harry Potter fans all over the world through his works. It read,
“We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Michael Gambon. He brought immeasurable joy to Harry Potter fans from all over the world with his humor, kindness and grace. We will forever hold his memory in our hearts.”
Stars like Alec Baldwin, Damian Lewis and Jared Harris, who have encountered him at some point in their career also had good words for the actor. They recounted their fond memories of him, while bidding him their final farewells. As the world says goodbye to a legend on this day, his imprint would remain etched in the hearts of his beloved fans, with his legacy continuing to live on and off the screen.
