Lady Gambon, his wife and Son Fergus release statement on Sir Michael Gambon’s passing via publicist Claire Dobbs.
Dumbledore Actor Michael Gambon Passes Away
A statement released on behalf of his wife, Lady Gambon, and son, Fergus, by their publicist Claire Dobbs conveyed the following message: “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. We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love.”
The news of his death sent shockwaves through his global fan base, leading to an abundance of tributes and expressions of sadness for the loss of the esteemed Irish actor. Across social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), users mourned his passing and hailed him as a distinguished actor. Some also shared memorable quotes from his role in the “Harry Potter” franchise.
Take a look at some of the fan reactions below:
I'm sorry to hear that Michael Gambon, the talented actor known for his portrayal of Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series, has passed away at the age of 82. He left a lasting legacy with his iconic performance. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and fans. ⚡🕯️…
— Beng Beng Gaming (@bengbengp2e) September 28, 2023
2023 Killed Dumbledore
— Furious John (@FuriousJohn) September 28, 2023
RIP Sir Michael Gambon!
— Martin X (@MartinX291187) September 28, 2023
More About Michael Gambon
Born on October 19, 1940, in Dublin, Ireland, Sir Michael Gambon spent his formative years in London. Initially, he pursued training as an engineer, setting a different course for his career. His remarkable accomplishments include receiving three Olivier Awards and two Screen Actor Guild Awards, along with four British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards for his contributions to television. In 1998, he earned the prestigious knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the world of drama.
Gambon’s career took off in 1963 when he secured a minor role in “Hamlet,” the inaugural production of the National Theatre Company, directed by the renowned Laurence Olivier.
However, he is perhaps most widely recognized for his portrayal of Hogwarts’ headmaster, a role he assumed in the third installment of J.K. Rowling’s iconic “Harry Potter” series, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” succeeding Richard Harris. Interestingly, Gambon confessed to not having read any of Rowling’s novels, explaining that he preferred to adhere closely to the script rather than risk being overly influenced by the books.
In 2015, the actor made the difficult decision to retire from the stage due to the challenges he faced in remembering his lines when performing in front of an audience, a consequence of his advancing age. As he shared with the Sunday Times Magazine, “It’s a painful admission, but I find myself unable to continue. It’s heartbreaking.”
Beyond his role as Dumbledore, Gambon is also celebrated for his portrayal of French detective Maigret in “Fantastic Mr. Fox” and for his starring role in “The Singing Detective.”
