Michael Gambon, the 82-year-old British actor best known for his portrayal of Dumbledore, has passed away.

LONDON – Harry Potter” film series, has passed away

Michael Gambon, a British-Irish actor most recognized for his portrayal of the intelligent Albus Dumbledore in the “Harry Potter” movies, has died.Harry Potter

The individual, known for their involvement in a popular series of films and whose professional journey was kickstarted by their mentor Laurence Olivier, passed away at the age of 82 on Thursday.

According to a statement from the family, he passed away peacefully in the hospital, as reported by PA Media.

In the early 1960s, Mr. Gambon started his career as an actor on stage and later transitioned to television and movies. Some of his most prominent film roles include playing a deranged leader of a criminal organization in Peter Greenaway’s 1989 film “The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover” and portraying the elderly King George V in Tom Hooper’s 2010 film “The King’s Speech”.

Harry Potter” films.

However, his most famous character was that of Dumbledore in the “Harry Potter” movies.Harry Potter

The franchise had a new lead in the third movie, with Mr. Gambon taking over the role after the passing of Richard Harris in 2004. Despite receiving praise for his performance, Mr. Gambon humbly stated that he played the character as himself, with a beard and robe added on..

Michael John Gambon was born on Oct. 19, 1940, in Dublin to a seamstress mother and an engineer father. The family moved to Camden Town in London when Gambon was six as his father sought work in the city’s post-war rebuilding.

Mr. Gambon left school aged 15 to begin an engineering apprenticeship and by 21 he was fully qualified. However, he was also a member of an amateur theatre group and always knew he would act, he told The Herald newspaper in 2004. He was inspired by American actors Marlon Brando and James Dean, who he believed reflected the angst of teenage boys.

In 1962, he tried out for the renowned actor Olivier, who selected him to become a founding member of the National Theatre at the Old Vic. Other talented young actors, such as Derek Jacobi and Maggie Smith, were also part of this group.

Mr. Gambon built his reputation on the stage over the following years, making his name in particular with his 1980 portrayal of Galileo in John Dexter’s “Life of Galileo”.

In the 1980s, there was increased recognition due to their starring role in the 1986 television series “The Singing Detective”.,

He portrayed a writer with a severe skin disorder, relying on his imagination as the sole relief from his suffering. This role earned him one of his four BAFTA awards.

He has also been awarded three Olivier Awards and two Screen Actors Guild Awards for his roles in “Gosford Park” (2001) and “The King’s Speech.”.

In 1992, Mr. Gambon was honored as a Commander of the British Empire and then knighted in 1998 for his contributions to drama, which he described as a “lovely gift.”,

Even though he did not utilize the label.

He had a mischievous nature and frequently fabricated tales. He would often proudly show his fellow actors a signed photo of Robert De Niro, even though he had actually written the inscription himself before ever meeting the famous actor.

During an appearance on “The Late Late Show” in Ireland, he shared that he managed to persuade his mother that he was acquainted with the pope.

In 2015, Mr. Gambon retired from the theatre due to ongoing memory issues. However, he continued to pursue acting on film until 2019. During a 2002 interview, he expressed feeling incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to work in his chosen profession..

In 1962, Mr. Gambon tied the knot with Anne Miller and they had a son together. Although they never officially split up, he also had a younger partner named Philippa Hart who was a set designer. They had two children together.