28 September 2023 , 11:37
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Sir Michael Gambon has died aged 82 in hospital after contracting pneumonia.
The Harry Potter legend's family shared the heartbreaking news in a statement this afternoon. On behalf of his wife Lady Gambon and son Fergus Gambon, issued by publicist Clair Dobbs, it read: “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon.
"Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia. Michael was 82. We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love.”
Devasated fans flocked to X, formerly Twitter, to pay tribute to the icon, with one writing: "Such sad news- an acting legend and so much loved. Sir Michael Gambon will be remembered for so many great roles." While another commented: "Not Dumbledore. RIP Sir Michael Gambon. Millennials are in mourning." A third wrote: "Such sad news. Rest In Peace, Michael Gambon."
Sir Michael Gambon has died aged 82 (Sportsphoto Ltd./Allstar)The Irish-born British actor's career spanned across nearly five decades, winning four BAFTAs, two RTS Awards and an Olivier. However, he is best known by Harry Potter fans for his role as Professor Albus Dumbledore in the JK Rowling series from 2004 until 2008, taking over from original actor Richard Harris following his death.
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Among celebrities paying tribute include David Baddiel, who tweeted: "First time I ever went to see any Theatre with a capital T it was Michael Gambon in Brecht’s Life Of Galileo at The National in 1980. It’s still the best stage acting I’ve ever seen. RIP." While Jeremy Clarkson wrote: "I’m so sad to hear that Michael Gambon has died. He was hugely amusing, and such a tremendous guest, we even named a corner after him."
The official Harry Potter film Twitter account also shared their heartbreak over his death, writing: "We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Michael Gambon. He brought immeasurable joy to Harry Potter fans from all over the world with his humour, kindness and grace. We will forever hold his memory in our hearts."
Sir Michael lived with his wife Lady Gambon - Anne Miller - when he was just 22, with the couple enjoying a quiet life in the Kent countryside. He was nominated for the title of Knight Bachelor by King Charles - then Prince Charles - in 1998 for services to drama, with Queen Elizabeth II notifying his title in the New Year Honours List.
He was forced to retire from the stage in 2015 after 50 years after suffering "frightening memory loss". He described it a "heartbreaking" decision at the time and explained that he was no longer able to remember his lines.
Michael Gambon with Harry Potter co-stars Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Gary Oldman (Sirius Black), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) and Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) (AFP)"There was a girl in the wings and I had a plug in my ear so she could read me the lines. After about an hour I thought, ‘This can’t work’. It’s a horrible thing to admit but I can’t do it. It breaks my heart," he said.
He was twice admitted to hospital in 2009 suffering panic attacks after forgetting his lines during rehearsals for a National Theatre production of Alan Bennett’s The Habit of Art. Doctors twice found him clear of Alzheimer’s following tests for the disease.
Sir Michael's death comes nearly a year after the death of Hagrid actor Robbie Coltrane, who died aged 72 in October 2022. Narcissa Malfoy actress Helen McCrory sadly died from breast cancer at just 52 in April 2021, Olivander star John Hurt in 2017, Severus Snape legend Alan Rickman in 2016 from terminal cancer and Vernon Dursley star Richard Griffiths in 2013.
Other Harry Potter actors who have died since their scenes in the films include Robert Knox, Elizabeth Spriggs, Timothy Bateson, Jimmy Gardner, Alfred Burke, Eric Sykes, Peter Cartwright, Roger Lloyd Pack, Dave Legeno, Derek Deadman, David Ryall, Terence Bayler, Hazel Douglas, Sam Beazley, Robert Hardy, Verne Troyer, Paul Ritter and Leslie Phillips.