Harry Potter actor Sir Michael Gambon dies aged 82

Virgin Radio

28 Sep 2023, 11:56

Esteemed stage and screen actor Sir Michael Gambon has died aged 82.

The Harry Potter star's family confirmed he passed away peacefully in hospital. A statement issued on behalf of Lady Gambon and son Fergus Gambon said (via Sky News): "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."

As well as an impressive career on the stage and screen, Sir Michael gained a massive following after his role as Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter film series from 2004 to 2011. He replaced late actor Richard Harris. 

His six-decade long career kicked off with Laurence Olivier as part of the Royal National Theatre, and in the years following, he picked up three Olivier Awards for his roles in A Chorus of Disapproval, A View from the Bridge and Man of the Moment. 

Sir Michael made his film debut in 1965’s Othello, and won massive praise for Gosforth Park in 2001 and The King’s Speech in 2010. He also appeared in several Wes Anderson films, including The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou and Fantastic Mr Fox. 

On the small screen, Gambon starred as French detective Jules Maigret in ITV series Maigret, and won a BAFTA TV Award for The Singing Detective.

Born in Dublin, the actor moved to London as a child following World War II and gained apprenticeship as a toolmaker at 21. He then left the profession to pursue acting. 

Tributes have started pouring in from across the entertainment industry, with comedian David Baddiel writing on X (or Twitter): "First time I ever went to see any Theatre with a capital T it was Michael Gambon in Brecht’s Life Of Galileo at The National in 1980. It’s still the best stage acting I’ve ever seen. RIP."

Jeremy Clarkson wrote: "I’m so sad to hear that Michael Gambon has died. He was hugely amusing, and such a tremendous guest, we even named a corner after him."

The thoughts of everyone at Virgin Radio go out to Sir Michael’s family and friends.