Michael Gambon, Dumbledore in 'Harry Potter', dies at 82

Today, the world of entertainment is mourning the death of actor Michael Gambon at the age of 82. Gambon was forever marked by playing the iconic character Albus Dumbledore in the film franchise “Harry Potter.” His family confirmed his death, revealing that the actor was battling pneumonia and died in a hospital in the United Kingdom this Thursday (28).

“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.”says the statement.

Although Michael Gambon retired from the stage in 2015 due to long-term memory problems, his passion for acting kept him active on screen until 2019. In a 2002 interview, he revealed that his work made him feel “the luckiest man in the world”.

Legacy in acting

Michael Gambon, whose career shone on stage and screen, began in the 1960s, when he made his theater debut. Over the years, his characteristics as an actor have led him to international recognition, with memorable performances in films such as “The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and her Lover” (1989), directed by Peter Greenaway, and “The King's Speech” (2010), directed by Tom Hooper, where he portrayed the elderly King George V.

However, the role that became a beloved figure for millions of fans around the world was that of Albus Dumbledore in the film franchise “Harry Potter”. Gambon assumed this responsibility in 2004, succeeding Richard Harris following his tragic death in 2002. He brought wisdom and charisma to the portrayal of the legendary Hogwarts headmaster over the course of eight films, solidifying his place in cinematic history.

Since 2018, actor Jude Law has had the honor of bringing the character Dumbledore to life in the franchise “Fantastic Beasts”continuing the legacy left by Gambon.

_{Michael Gambon at the premiere of 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' in 2009 in New York. (Photo: reproduction/ Jamie Fine/Reuters)}

Gambon's life

Born on October 19, 1940, in Dublin, Ireland, Michael Gambon was the son of a seamstress mother and an engineer father. His family moved to Camden Town, London, when he was just six years old, looking for post-war opportunities.

Despite starting a career in engineering and acquiring qualifications in that field at the age of 21, Gambon always realized that his true passion was acting. He appeared in an interview with “The Herald” in 2004 that his inspiration came from figures such as Marlon Brando and James Dean, whose performances he admired for their ability to express the anguish of young people.

In 1962, Gambon had an audition that would change his life when he was selected by the great Shakespearean actor Olivier. This made him one of the founding members of the National Theater at the Old Vic, alongside other rising young talents such as Derek Jacobi and Maggie Smith.

Gambon cemented his confidence on stage in the following decades, with an indirect performance as Galileo in “Life of Galileo” (1980), directed by John Dexter.

In the 1980s, he gained a wider audience with his starring role in the TV series “The Singing Detective” (1986), where she played a writer suffering from a debilitating skin disease, whose imagination was her only escape from the pain. This performance earned him one of the four BAFTAs he received throughout his career.

In addition, Gambon was awarded three Olivier Awards and two Screen Actors Guild Awards, standing out for his performance in films such as “Gosford Park” and “The King’s Speech” (2001). His contribution to theater was recognized with his appointment as Commander of the British Empire in 1992 and with the distinction of knighthood for services to theater in 1998, although he chose not to use this honorary title.

In addition to his talent on stage and screen, Michael Gambon was known for his mischievous personality and playful spirit. He loved to make up stories and jokes, such as showing his fellow actors an autographed photograph of Robert De Niro, which he himself had mentioned before he even met the famous American actor.

In an episode of the program “The Late Late Show” in Ireland, he even presented a hilarious anecdote about convincing his mother that he was a personal friend of the Pope, highlighting his unique sense of humor and his ability to charm people with his stories.

He married Anne Miller in 1962, with whom he had one son. Although he never divorced, years later he found love again with set designer Philippa Hart, 25 years his junior, with whom he had two children.

Featured photo: Michael Gambon acting as Dumbledore in the 'Harry Potter' saga. Reproduction: g1/File photo/Reuters.