Michael Gambon, Star of Stage and Screen, Dies at 82
Michael Gambon, a veteran actor who was known for his role as Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight Harry Potter films, has passed away at the age of 82. He died peacefully in hospital on Wednesday with his wife and son by his side, following a bout of pneumonia. His family and publicist announced his death on Thursday and asked for privacy.
Gambon was born on October 19, 1940 in Dublin, Ireland, and moved to London with his family when he was five years old. He began his acting career in theatre, and joined the National Theatre in 1963. He worked with many renowned directors and playwrights, such as Laurence Olivier, Harold Pinter and Tom Stoppard. He won many awards and honors for his performances, including four BAFTA TV Awards, three Olivier Awards, two Evening Standard Awards and a Tony Award nomination. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998 for his services to drama.
He became famous worldwide for his role as Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, in six of the eight Harry Potter films. He replaced Richard Harris, who died in 2002, and played the character from 2004 to 2011. He also appeared in many other films, such as The King’s Speech, Gosford Park, The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover and The Gambler.
