There are very few people who haven’t been touched by the magic of ‘Harry Potter’. Be it books or films, the characters and the story had something to offer to everyone. One pivotal role was of Professor Albus Dumbledore, who guided the main character Harry Potter and looked after the Hogwarts family. The actor who played the character from the third film onwards, Sir Michael Gambon, has sadly passed away. He was 82.
Sir Michael Gambon’s family confirmed that he passed away in the hospital. Fans are heartbroken and have been flooding social media with condolences. Certainly, his memorable roles will live on in the hearts of cinemagoers.
Related: ‘Harry Potter’: How Much Money Did The Film Series Make?
Sir Michael Gambon’s Cause Of Death
Sir Michael Gambon was an Irish-English actor who enthralled the audience with his tremendous performances over the course of five decades. His death has come as a shock to fans.
In a statement, Sir Michael Gambon’s representative Clair Dobbs said on behalf of his wife, Anne Miller and their son Fergus, “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon.” It further added, “Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia.”
The conclusion of the statement read, “We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love.”
Gambon and Anne Miller got married in 1962 and share one son, Fergus. While Gambon never divorced Miller, he took in a partner, Philippa Hart. She was 25 years younger than him and earned her living as a set designer. The couple shared two children.
In case you missed: Top 10 Differences Between ‘Harry Potter’ Books And Their Movie Adaptations
Sir Michael Gambon: A Legendary Actor With An Illustrious Career
Sir Michael Gambon is best known for playing the wise professor of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore. He got into the character after the sad demise of Richard Haggis, who played Dumbledore in the first two films – ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ and ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’.
However, Gambon’s career began in a Dublin theatre in a production of Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’ in 1962. His career continued on an upward trend. In 1998, for his contribution to the entertainment sector, Sir Michael Gambon received the honor of being knighted. He also played the French detective Jules Maigret in the ITV series ‘Maigre’. Viewers also loved his portrayal of Philip Marlowe in the BBC series ‘The Singing Detective’.
Gambon’s glowing career faced a roadblock when he had to step back from the camera due to “frightening memory loss.” Indeed, it was a heartbreaking decision for him.
While a stalwart of the acting industry has been lost, his legacy will carry on. In the end, let’s recall this gem spoken by him as Dumbledore on screen: “You think the dead we loved truly ever leave us? You think we don’t recall them more clearly in times of great trouble?” Just as we rewatch ‘Harry Potter’ films for comfort, we will celebrate Sir Michael Gambon’s contribution to it.
You might also like to read: Why ‘Harry Potter’ Magic Still Casts A Spell Over The World
