Legendary 'Harry Potter' Star Sir Michael Gambon Passes Away at 82: A Look Back at His Iconic Career and Touching Celebrity Tributes
Celebrities and Harry Potter stars such as Rupert Grint, Helen Mirren, and JK Rowling pay heartfelt tributes to the late Sir Michael Gambon, who passed away at 82 Their touching words honor the renowned actor and his contributions to the industry
Sir Michael Gambon, the renowned Irish actor famous for his portrayal of Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter movies, passed away at the age of 82 on September 28. His family released a statement through his representative expressing their devastation and announcing his peaceful passing in the presence of his wife Anne and son Fergus at the hospital.
Gambon's passing was attributed to a battle with pneumonia. He leaves behind his wife, Anne, and their son, Fergus.
Numerous celebrities expressed their condolences on social media following his death. The official Harry Potter Instagram account posted a black and white photo of Gambon and wrote, "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Sir Michael Gambon. His humor, kindness, and grace brought immense joy to Harry Potter fans worldwide. His memory will always remain in our hearts."
Thank You!
You have successfully subscribed.
Subscribe to newsletters
Subscribe
By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from USWeekly
Check our latest news in Google News
Follow Us
Check our latest news in Apple News
Follow Us
Scroll down to see more tributes to Gambon:
Credit: Cover Images
Sir Michael Gambon Dead at 82: 'Harry Potter' Stars and More Celebrities Pay Tribute
—The entertainment world is raising its wands in honor of the late Sir Michael Gambon.
Irish actor Sir Michael Gambon, renowned for his portrayal of Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter film series, passed away at the age of 82 on Thursday, September 28. In a statement delivered by his representative, Gambon's family expressed their immense sorrow, stating, "We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon. Michael, a cherished husband and loving father, peacefully passed away in the presence of his wife Anne and son Fergus at the hospital." The statement further disclosed that Gambon succumbed to pneumonia. He is survived by his beloved wife, Anne, and their son, Fergus.
Scroll down to view additional tributes to Gambon:
Credit: David M. Benett/Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/WireImage
Rupert Grint
“So saddened to hear the news about Michael,” Grint, best known for his portrayal of Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter movies, wrote as he shared a photo of his former co-star on Instagram. “His presence on set filled each day with warmth and mischief. As a child, he had captivated me, and he later became a personal role model, showing me how to embrace the fun and peculiarities of life. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family. Rupert, my thoughts are with you.”
Credit: Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for BFI
Jason Isaacs
Despite the turbulent relationship between Isaac’s Lucius Malfoy and Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series, Isaacs took a moment to praise Gambon in a heartfelt tribute. Describing him as "magnificent," Isaacs expressed how he was profoundly influenced by Gambon's portrayal in The Singing Detective, which demonstrated the complexity, vulnerability, and humanity that acting could embody. Isaacs also fondly reminisced that one of the greatest joys of working on the Potter films was that Gambon not only knew his name but also shared a fearless and mischievous sense of humor with him.
Credit: Tristar Media/Getty Images
James Phelps
Phelps, known for his role as Fred Weasley in the iconic Harry Potter series, reminisced about filming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince with Gambon. Sharing his experience, he mentioned that during the shooting of HP6, he worked in the AD department for the entire duration, except for the days he was acting. Consequently, he spent numerous hours with Michael on set. Phelps fondly recalled how Michael always exuded a sense of humor and was open to sharing any knowledge he possessed.
Phelps recounted a memorable incident during the filming of Dumbledore's final clock tower scene. In the midst of the intensity, Michael inquired about Phelps' weekend plans. Coincidentally, Phelps and his brother had a reading engagement with the Manchester Halle orchestra, performing Peter and the Wolf. When Phelps confirmed that he had the script with him, Michael expressed interest in going through it and offering some feedback. Consequently, their supposed downtime turned into a productive session discussing Phelps' upcoming gig. This cherished memory remains one of the highlights from Phelps' time in the Harry Potter series.
Credit: Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for The Art of Elysium
Bonnie Wright
Wright, who portrayed the youngest Weasley sibling, Ginny, expressed her profound admiration for Michael's presence and performance in a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. She shared, "I will forever be in awe of Michael's unwavering charisma and talent. His mischievous voice would resonate through the Great Hall during breaks." Wright fondly remembered him as a true embodiment of Dumbledore, a constant and warm guiding figure. Rest in peace Michael. My heartfelt condolences to his family. ️
Credit: Mike Marsland/WireImage
J .K. Rowling
"I have just received the devastating news about Michael Gambon," stated the Harry Potter author in an official statement. "I first saw him in the role of King Lear in 1982, and if someone had told me back then that this exceptional actor would appear in any of my works, I would have considered them to be utterly insane."
Rowling further expressed her admiration for Gambon, describing him as "not only a phenomenal actor, but also a remarkable individual." She fondly reminisced about their collaborations, not only in the Harry Potter series but also in The Casual Vacancy. Rowling extended her heartfelt condolences to Michael's family and all those who cherished him.
Credit: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for BAFTA
Jared Harris
Gambon, described as a "brilliant actor" by Harris, who is the son of the original Dumbledore actor Richard Harris, has left an indelible mark on Harris' memory. Having seen Gambon's performances on stage multiple times, Harris expressed how unforgettable they were. It was particularly fitting that Gambon took over the role of Dumbledore from Harris' father, as Gambon had become his father's favorite actor, surpassing even Brando.
Credit: Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images
Fiona Shaw
During an interview with BBC Radio 4, Shaw, who portrayed Aunt Petunia in the Harry Potter series, conveyed her condolences. She described him as an extraordinary trickster, remarking on his exceptional talent and versatility. According to Shaw, there was simply no one like him - he possessed the ability to accomplish anything.
Credit: Lionel Hahn/Getty Images
Helen Mirren
Mirren described her former costar, Mike, as incredibly funny and someone who always brought a smile to her face. In an interview with BBC, she highlighted his natural Irish sense of humor that was both mischievous and highly amusing. Additionally, she emphasized his ability to effortlessly make fun of himself, alongside being a talented actor and an overall wonderful person to be around. Mirren admitted that Mike's presence constantly filled her with laughter.
She went on to call him “an extraordinary actor and [an] extraordinary contribution to the British landscape of theater,” adding, “We will all miss him a lot.”
Credit: Dave M. Benett/Getty Images
Stanislav Ianevski
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of another icon, Sir Michael Gambon,” Ianevski expressed through his Instagram Story, where he depicted his profound respect for the esteemed actor. “Having had the privilege to work alongside you on the set and create unforgettable moments, laughter, and enlightening experiences, I will forever cherish these meaningful memories. Rest in peace, Sir Michael Gambon.”
Credit: Shane Anthony Sinclair/WireImage)
Joan Collins
“So saddened by the tragic loss of the immensely talented Michael Gambon,” Collins wrote alongside a heartfelt Facebook post, which she accompanied with a cherished photo of herself and Gambon. The two had portrayed a married couple in a pilot called Mama's Back, a project masterminded by the brilliant Ruby Wax. Gambon was not only a phenomenal actor, but also a joy to work with, leaving an indelible mark on both the set and our hearts.”
Credit: Nick England/Getty Images
Jeremy Clarkson
"I'm deeply saddened by the news of Michael Gambon's passing," expressed the Top Gear host through X. "He was incredibly entertaining and an exceptional guest; in fact, we honored him by naming a corner after him."
Additionally, the British television presenter posted a photo of Gambon from a Top Gear episode on Instagram, accompanied by the caption, "A remarkable individual."
Credit: Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for SBIFF
Ryan Phillippe
“May he rest in peace,” Phillipe wrote on his Instagram Story, accompanied by a picture of his former colleague. “I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Sir Michael in the film Gosford Park,” he added. “Despite the age difference, with him being in his sixties at the time and myself being 25, we formed a bond akin to that of schoolmates, thanks to his eternal youthful energy. I will always cherish the exhilarating journeys back home in his classic convertible.”
Credit: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images
Richard E. Grant
“THE GREAT GAMBON,” another of the star’s Gosford Park cast mates wrote alongside a pic of him on set.
Credit: Walter McBride/Getty Images
Dame Eileen Atkins
According to Atkins, Gambon was a delightful individual who approached his work with genuine dedication, even though he may have projected a different demeanor. She fondly recalls his undeniable charisma and imposing presence, which concealed an unexpectedly tender and affectionate side. Atkins will forever cherish the memory of this remarkable man.
Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage
Piers Morgan
"Michael Gambon, 82, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional acting," expressed the broadcaster through X. "During an interaction, he shared with me his lifelong passion for acting, contrasting it with the contemporary trend of effortless fame-seeking among talentless individuals. He described this phenomenon as dreadful and referred to such individuals as cretins."
Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage
Jonah Hauer-King
Hauer-King paid tribute to Gambon by posting a picture of them from the 2017 PBS Little Women miniseries, where they portrayed the characters of Laurie and Mr. Laurence. Alongside the snapshot, the actor from The Little Mermaid added the caption embellished with two heart emojis and a praying hands emoji.
Credit: Courtesy of Michael Warburton/Instagram
Michael Warburton
The actor called Gambon “one of the greats” via X.
Credit: Sean Gallup/Getty Images
Leo Varadkar
The Irish Prime Minister expressed his admiration for Gambon through X, praising him as "an exceptional actor who truly dedicated himself to every role, be it in Beckett, Dennis Potter's works, or the Harry Potter franchise."
