A tribute to HARRY POTTER actor Michael Gambon, who passed away at the age of 82

Sir Michael Gambonthe Irish-English actor best known for playing Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in six of the films Harry Potter film, died today at the age of 82.

The family shared in a statement: “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.

While his roles spanned countless characters and worlds, for many he will forever be remembered fondly as Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series. He stepped into the iconic role halfway through the series and made it his own with no problems. His portrayal of the wise and kind-hearted headmaster of Hogwarts added depth and nuance, guiding a generation through these beloved magical stories

Yet, Michael’s career was much more than just a character. From his time at the National Theater to his performances on the big screen, his versatility seemed to have no limits. Whether he was playing complex historical characters or moving fictional characters, Gamdon always delivered strong performances.

Some of the other projects he has appeared in over his long career are included Love Story, The Singing Detective, Toys, The Wind in the Willows, Insider, Sleepy Hollow, Gosford Park, Captain of the Skies and the World of Tomorrow, Layer Cake, The Omen, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The King’s Speech , Doctor Who, Paddington, Judyand more.

Then there was his unforgettable voice, which had that rich, mellifluous tone, and became synonymous with gravitas and wisdom. However, it could also convey vulnerability, humor, and the full spectrum of human emotions.

I wanted to find a funny story about Gambon and I found one told by Daniel Radcliffe from his time working with the actor Half-Blood Prince, and how Gambon fell asleep while filming an important scene for the film in which Radcliffe was trying to impress him. Radcliffe shared with the Los Angeles Times:

“Dumbledore dies and I had to do a scene where I moan over his body. Michael is the most respected actor I’ve ever worked with, so I had to really do my best to convey the emotion. But after the fourth take, I I looked and saw that he had fallen asleep. I had to push him to wake up. This is to impress someone with your skills!”

Here’s what some of his other Harry Potter co-stars had to say:

Ralph Fiennes says Gambon “brought immeasurable joy” to fans of the franchise with his “humor, kindness and grace”.

Helen Mirren he also paid tribute to Gambon in a BBC interview, saying: “Bad but very, very funny. He constantly made me laugh.” Mirren also called Gambon an “instinctive actor” who has made an “extraordinary contribution to the British theater landscape”.

Sir Michael Gambon’s legacy lies not only in the characters he brought to life, but also in the lives he touched throughout his life and career, the actors he inspired and the audiences he moved and watched his work.

Sir Michael left an incredible legacy and we will never forget the magic he brought into our lives. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.