Harry Potter fans remember Dumbledore after Sir Michael Gambon’s death as the world mourns an iconic actor
Harry Potter fans remember Dumbledore after Sir Michael Gambon’s death as the world mourns an iconic actor
- Fans pay tribute to Sir Michael Gambon after his death at the age of 82
- His 60-year acting stint included the role of Dumbledore in six Harry Potter films
- He was knighted in 1999 and nominated for 13 Olivier Awards
Tributes have been paid to Sir Michael Gambon by Harry Potter fans around the world following the star’s death at the age of 82.
A gentle giant of British theater and film, Gambon was notable for his portrayal of Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight Harry Potter films.
Following the death of Richard Harris, who played Dumbledore in the first two films, Gambon took on the role for the third film in the series, Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban, which was released in 2004.
After his family revealed he passed away peacefully in hospital after a battle with pneumonia, Harry Potter fans have posted heartfelt tributes to Gambon.
Harry Potter fan account @PotterheadPosts posted a tribute to the actor on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Raising our wands for Michael Gambon.”
Gambon was adored by younger audiences for his portrayal of Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight Harry Potter films
Another fan added: ‘Magic up for Sir Michael Gambon.’
A third wrote: ‘Michael Gambon will live on in the hearts and memories of all whose childhoods he illuminated with his brilliant portrayal of Albus Dumbledore.
“Do you think the dead we loved ever really leave us? Do you think we can’t remember them more clearly in times of great trouble?’
A statement on behalf of his wife Lady Gambon and son Fergus Gambon, issued by publicist Clair Dobbs, said: ‘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, after a bout of pneumonia. Michael was 82.
‘We ask that you respect our privacy during this painful time and thank you for your expressions of support and love.’
Speaking about playing the role of Dumbledore, which he did to such hypnotic effect, Gambon said he “really doesn’t have to play anyone.”
He said: ‘I just stick on a beard and play with me, so it’s not a great achievement. I never immerse myself in a role; every role I play is just a variation of my own personality. I’m not a character actor at all…’
Another user quoted Gambon’s famous speech in Layer Cake, in which he played the role of Eddie Temple, and posted on X: ‘You were born, you take s***. When you go out into the world, you have more sex. You climb a little higher, you take less s***.
‘Until one day you enter the rarefied atmosphere and forget what shit even looks like. Welcome to layer cake son.
‘RIP Michael Gambon’.