Internet mourns the demise of the much-loved Harry Potter actor Sir Michael Gambon as he sadly passed away at the age of 82 on September 28, 2023. The illustrious veteran Irish-English actor was renowned for playing the role of the wise and powerful omniscient wizard, but also the beloved Professor Dumbledore at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the movie series adaptation of JK Rowling’s eponymous book series.
Much like how Harry Potter found a safe place beside Dumbledore’s arm, children, young-adults and adults alike had found peace in Sir Gambon’s portrayal of the character over these years. He first took on the role of Professor Albus Dumbledore in the 2004 film Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, i.e. the third movie in the franchise, as a follow-up act to Richard Harris helming the same role previously until he passed away in October 2002, thus passing on the magical baton to Gambon for the remaining 6 of 8 Harry Potter films.
It’s safe to assume and say that Sir Gambon has been an integral part of many kids’ childhoods, who’re now all grown up, but still often fall back to the comforting company of the movies that are still an enchanted coping means of survival for many as they were back in the early Y2K era when the movie adaptations were first picked up on the big screen. And so, as could’ve been expected, netizens all over the globe have taken a major emotional hit on hearing of Sir Michael Gambon’s death.
The eminent actor has been succeeded by his wife Lady Gambon and son Fergus, who’ve conveyed that he passed away peacefully in hospital with his family by his side after struggling with a severe case of pneumonia.
Gambon first treaded his steps towards performing arts with his premier stage performance in Ireland, making his contributions to a production of Othello in Dublin in 1962. Over the years, he consolidated his esteemed acting career by being honoured with accolades like four BAFTA awards, three Olivier awards for performances in National Theatre productions and more. He even bagged Emmy and Tony award nominations for playing Mr Woodhouse in Jane Austen’s 2010 adaptation of Emma, and for taking on a significant role in David Hare’s play Skylight in 1997 (through which he made his Broadway debut) respectively.
His career spanned a long duration of 5 decades till he hung up his cloak in 2015 and retired from the field after suffering long-term memory problems. Through this long journey as a remarkable actor, he also came to be known as “The Great Gambon” and is remembered not just as a thespian, but for also playing rather contemporary roles in Doctor Who, notable films like The Insider, Amazing Grace, The King’s Speech, Path to War, Victoria & Abdul and series like The Casual Vacancy and many more.
May our wise wizard and respected headmaster rest in peace.
Watch Dumbledore Actor Sir Michael Gambon in Harry Potter Films
Harry Potter Cast Pays Tribute
Netizens Remember Sir Gambon
Also read: Encounters Review: Docuseries on Alien Sighting Gets Repetitive