Michael Gambon, who played Dumbledore in ‘Harry Potter’ films, dies
ByTheresa Seiger, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Michael Gambon FILE PHOTO: Michael Gambon participates in A Celebration of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando on January 30, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. Gambon died at the age of 82. (Photo by Aaron Davidson/Getty Images) (Aaron Davidson/Getty Images)
ByTheresa Seiger, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Michael Gambon, a veteran actor best known for playing Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in six of “Harry Potter” films, has died. He was 82.
Gambon’s publicist, Clair Dobbs, said in a statement obtained Thursday by The Guardian that Gambon “died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout with pneumonia.”
“We are devasted to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon,” read the statement, made on behalf of Gambon’s wife and son. “We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love.”
“He was always very funny and very welcoming to share any knowledge he had,” James Phelps, who played Fred Weasley in the “Harry Potter” films, said in a social media post. He added that Gambon “was, on and off the camera, a legend.”
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
Gambon began his acting career in 1962 and won several accolades in his decadeslong career, including four BAFTA awards and two Primetime Emmys, Sky News reported. He was an original member of the Royal National Theatre in London and, in 1998, was knighted for his work in the entertainment industry, according to BBC News.
Known in acting circles as “The Great Gambon,” he was a prolific actor, with more than 150 TV or film credits to his name, Variety reported. His roles included King George V in 2010′s “The King’s Speech,” Oseary Drakoulias in 2004′s “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” and Sir William McCordle in 2001′s “Gosford Park.” He also appeared in the “Paddington” films, 2009′s “Fantastic Mr. Fox” and an episode of the long-running British TV series “Doctor Who.”
Gambon was cast as Dumbledore in 2004′s “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” following the death of actor Richard Harris in 2002, The Associated Press reported. Harris had portrayed Dumbledore in the first two “Harry Potter” films. Gambon held the role until the final film in the franchise, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2,” was released in 2011.
“This will stick out as being a happy memory, being with a thing for so long and the worldwide love of it,” he told the AP in 2009. “You never forget that.”
Gambon retired from stage acting in 2015 due to long-term memory problems, Reuters reported. He continued to act onscreen until 2019.
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Through the years Irish-born English actor Michael Gambon, circa 1980. (Photo by Larry Ellis Collection/Getty Images) (Larry Ellis Collection/Getty Images)
Through the years LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - AUGUST 17: Actor Michael Gambon performs in Donald Freed's stage play 'Veterans Day' at Theatre Royal on August 17, 1989 in London, England. (Photo by Georges De Keerle/Getty Images) (Georges De Keerle/Getty Images)
Through the years Michael Gambon (as Falstaff) in the production of Henry IV Part One at the National Theatre in London. Playwright: William Shakespeare. (Photo by robbie jack/Corbis via Getty Images) (Robbie Jack/Corbis via Getty Images)
Through the years NEW YORK - JULY 09: Actors Michael Gambon, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and Alan Rickman attend the "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" premiere at Ziegfeld Theatre on July 9, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images) (Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)
Through the years FILE - Actor Michael Gambon attends the premiere of "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince", in New York, on Thursday, July 9, 2009. Actor Michael Gambon, who played Dumbledore in the later Harry Potter films, has died at age 82, his publicist says. (AP Photo/Peter Kramer, File) (Peter Kramer/AP)
Through the years FILE - Members of the cast of the Harry Potter films, from left, Tom Felton, Michael Gambon, Rupert Grint, and Daniel Radcliffe during grand opening ceremonies of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando theme park in Orlando, Florida, Friday, June 18, 2010. Actor Michael Gambon, who played Dumbledore in the later Harry Potter films, has died at age 82, his publicist says. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File) (John Raoux/AP)
Through the years NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 03: Michael Gambon visits the Apple Store Soho on April 3, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images) (Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)
Through the years NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 04: Actors Robbie Coltrane and Sir Michael Gambon attend the grand opening of Harry Potter: The Exhibition at Discovery Times Square Exposition Center on April 4, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images) (Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
Through the years FILE - Actor Michael Gambon arrives in Trafalgar Square, in central London, for the World Premiere of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 2, the last film in the series, Thursday, July 7, 2011. Actor Michael Gambon, who played Dumbledore in the later Harry Potter films, has died at age 82, his publicist says. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan, File) (Joel Ryan/AP)
Through the years ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 30: Michael Gambon participtaes in A Celebration of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando on January 30, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Aaron Davidson/Getty Images) (Aaron Davidson/Getty Images)
Through the years LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 13: Michael Gambon attends The London Evening Standard Theatre Awards at The Old Vic Theatre on November 13, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images) (John Phillips/Getty Images)
Through the years LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Sir Michael Gambon, Sir Michael Caine and Francesca Annis attend the World Premiere of 'King Of Thieves' at Vue West End on September 12, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images) (Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)
