SIR Michael Gambon has died aged 82 after a career spanning 60 years.
The Irish-English star, who famously played Dumbledore in the Harry Potter film franchise, died peacefully in hospital, his family announced.
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Sir Michael Gambon died peacefully in hospital aged 82 Credit: Rex Features
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The Irish-English star played Dumbledore in the Harry Potter film franchise Credit: Warner Bros
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He starred opposite Daniel Radcliffe in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Credit: Warner Bros
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He was best known for his role as the Headmaster of HogwartsCredit: Alamy
A statement on behalf of his wife Lady Gambon and son Fergus Gambon, released by publicist Clair Dobbs, said: “We are saddened to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon.
“A 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.”
Born in Dublin, Ireland in 1940, he first qualified as an engineer and toolmaker before discovering acting.
At the age of 24, he began his professional career on the stage, starring in Shakespeare productions such as Othello and Richard III.
Sir Michael quickly rose to fame thanks to his signature powerful voice and powerful presence on stage and screen.
But he was best known for playing Hogwarts Headmaster Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series between 2004 and 2011, replacing the late Richard Harris.
His first appearance in the JK Rowling franchise occurred in The Prisoner of Azkaban before appearing in five more installments.
By the way, he starred in the blockbusters Gosford Park (2001), Ali G Indahouse (2002), Fantastic Mr. Wes Anderson’s Fox (2009) and The King’s Speech (2010).
He also played Philip Marlowe, a pulp thriller writer, in the serial drama The Singing Detective.
The qualified pilot later appeared in BBC TV hits such as Perfect Strangers and Emma.
He is also remembered for his hair-raising lap on the Top Gear test track where the final corner was taken on two wheels.
The bend was later named “Gambon” in homage to the infamous actor in a reasonably priced car.
Throughout his career he has appeared regularly in Shakespeare productions with the National Theater – delighting audiences across the country.
The 82-year-old has won four BAFTAs for his TV work, three Oliver Awards and two Screen Actors Guild Awards.
In 1998, he was knighted in the Queen’s New Year Honors for services to drama.
Rupert Grint said Sir Michael was his “personal role model”.
Grint, who played Ron Weasley, wrote on Instagram: “So sad to hear about Michael. He brought so much warmth and mischief to every day on set.
“He charmed me as a kid and became my personal role model for finding fun and eccentricity in life. I send all my love to his family, Rupert.”
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Gambon in the Eh Joe production at Dublin’s Gate Theater Credit: Getty
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He also played Philip Marlowe in the serial drama The Singing Detective
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Gambon before receiving an honorary degree from the University of KentCredit: Getty
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Sir Michael pictured with head chef at The Fenn Bell Inn Credit: Facebook..
Actor James Phelps, who played Fred Weasley in the Harry Potter film series, paid tribute to Gambon, describing him as a “legend”.
“So sorry to hear of Michael Gambon’s passing. He was, on and off camera, a legend,” he tweeted.
The actor shared a screenshot of the text describing “one of the highlights” of his time on set with Sir Michael.
The excerpt read: “Between setting up, Michael asked me what I was up to that weekend. My brother and I happened to be reading Peter and the Wolf with the Manchester Hall Orchestra.”
Phelps said Sir Michael offered to share the notes with him and his twin brother Oliver, who played George Weasley in the films.
“We spent what was supposed to be his downtime at my weekend gig. It’s a memory I’ve always had as one of the highlights of my (Harry Potter) days.”
Jeremy Clarkson offered his condolences, recalling that the actor was such an “awesome guest”.
“So sad to hear that Michael Gambon has died,” Clarkson wrote on Twitter.
“He was very funny, and such a great guest, we even named a corner after him.”
Actress Joan Collins paid tribute, calling him a “great” and “wonderful” actor.
Dame Joan worked with the late Sir Michael in the BBC sitcom Mama’s Back in 1993 where they starred as a married couple.
In a Facebook post, she wrote: “So sorry to hear of the passing of the wonderful actor Michael Gambon.
“We played husband and wife in the Ruby Wax pilot called ‘Mommy’s Back’. Great actor and great fun.”
Comedian David Baddiel described his theatrical performance as “the best act I’ve ever seen”.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Baddiel said: “The first time I went to any theater with a capital T was Michael Gambon in Brecht’s Life of Galileo at The National in 1980.
“It’s still the best acting I’ve ever seen. RIP.”
Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins has paid tribute to Sir Michael Gambon, who she described as “the most beautiful of legends”.
Jenkins said Sir Michael “couldn’t have been kinder, calmer and more supportive” during her time on the set of Doctor Who’s Christmas special A Christmas Carol in 2010.
The singer, who played Abigail, shared a photo of her next to Sir Michael dressed as his character Kazran.
Jenkins said: “My dear Kazran! My first acting role was alongside Sir Michael Gambon in the Doctor Who Christmas Special.
“He could not have been kinder, calmer and more supportive. Today we lost the most beautiful legend.”
Sir Michael Gambon is survived by his wife Anne Miller and his three children.
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The 82-year-old has won four BAFTAs for his TV workCredits: PA
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He has appeared in BBC TV hits such as Perfect Strangers and EmmaCredit: Handout
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King Charles (then Prince of Wales) shares a joke with Gambon in 2002. Credit: PA
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He played Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight Harry Potter films
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Source: newstars.edu.vn