Actor Michael Gambon, who was best known for playing Albus Dumbledore in the famous Harry Potter franchise films, has died. He was 82.
“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,” a statement
After the death of actor Richard Harris. Gambon took over the role of Albus Dumbledore.
Sir Michael Gambon was born in Cabra, Dublin, Ireland, to Mary (Hoare), a seamstress, and Edward Gambon, an engineer. After joining the National Theatre, under the Artistic Directorship of Sir Laurence Olivier, Gambon went on to appear in a number of leading roles in plays written by Alan Ayckbourn. His career was catapulted in 1980 when he took the lead role in John Dexter‘s production of “Galileo”. Since then, Gambon has regularly appeared at the Royal National Theatre and the RSC. Roles include, King Lear, Othello, Mark Anthony and Volpone. He was described by the late Sir Ralph Richardson as being “The Great Gambon” and he is now considered to be one of the British theatre’s leading lights. He was made a CBE in 1992.
