The beloved Harry Potter family mourns the loss of another cherished member. Sir Michael Gambon, known for his iconic portrayal of Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series since 2004, has passed away at the age of 82.
Statement from His Representative:
In a statement obtained by NBC News on September 28, Gambon’s representative confirmed his peaceful passing in the hospital. He was surrounded by his wife, Anne, and son, Fergus, as he succumbed to pneumonia. The family requests privacy during this difficult time and appreciates the outpouring of support and love. The official Instagram account for the Harry Potter franchise paid tribute to Gambon on the same day. The message expressed profound sadness at his passing and celebrated his contributions, describing how he brought immense joy to Harry Potter fans worldwide with his humor, kindness, and grace. Gambon’s memory will forever hold a special place in their hearts.
Succession of Albus Dumbledore Role:
Michael Gambon took on the role of Albus Dumbledore following the passing of actor Richard Harris in 2002. In response to Gambon’s passing, Jared Harris, the son of Richard Harris, used social media to pay homage to the brilliant actor. He fondly recalled seeing Gambon perform on stage multiple times and how Gambon became his father’s favorite actor when he took over the role of Dumbledore.
Gambon’s Accomplished Career: Beyond his iconic role in Harry Potter, Sir Michael Gambon was a distinguished Irish actor who earned three Olivier Awards and received a Tony nomination in 1997 for his work in Skylight.
Retirement from Theater Due to Memory Loss: In 2015, at the age of 74, Gambon made the difficult decision to retire from theater due to memory loss. He shared the challenges he faced in learning scripts and expressed his heartbreak at having to step away from the stage. Gambon highlighted the unique connection and intensity of live theater, which he cherished deeply.
In Memoriam of Robbie Coltrane: Gambon’s passing comes nearly a year after the loss of fellow Harry Potter star Robbie Coltrane, who portrayed Hagrid in the films. Coltrane passed away in October 2022 at the age of 72. His agent paid tribute to Coltrane’s exceptional talent and his enduring legacy, particularly as Hagrid in the Harry Potter series, which brought joy to generations of fans around the world.
Legacy of Two Greats: The Harry Potter franchise mourns the loss of both Sir Michael Gambon and Robbie Coltrane, two remarkable actors who left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans worldwide. Their contributions to the world of entertainment will be remembered and cherished for generations to come.
