Michael Gambon, Actor Who Played Prof. Dumbledore in 6 "Harry Potter" Movies, Dies at Age 82

Michael Gambon, the Irish actor who played Professor Albus Dumbledore in six of the "Harry Potter" films, has died at the age of 82. His death was confirmed by his agent, Mary Pat Glynn, on July 31, 2023.

Gambon took over the role of Dumbledore from Richard Harris, who died in 2002, in the third "Harry Potter" film, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban." He went on to play the wise and benevolent headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in five more films, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1," and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2."

Gambon's performance as Dumbledore was widely praised, with critics noting his ability to capture the character's warmth, intelligence, and strength. He was also known for his close friendship with his co-star, Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter.

In addition to his work on the "Harry Potter" films, Gambon had a long and distinguished career in theater and film. He won a Tony Award for his performance in the play "Skylight" in 1996, and was nominated for an Academy Award for his supporting role in the film "The Insider" in 1999.

Gambon was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1940. He began his acting career in the early 1960s, appearing in television shows and plays. He made his film debut in 1965 in the film "Otley."

In the 1970s and 1980s, Gambon established himself as one of the leading actors in the British theater. He appeared in productions of Shakespeare plays such as "Hamlet," "King Lear," and "Macbeth." He also starred in plays by other playwrights, such as Harold Pinter and Tom Stoppard.

In the 1990s and 2000s, Gambon began to appear in more films. He starred in films such as "The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover" (1989), "Sleepy Hollow" (1999), "Gosford Park" (2001), and "The King's Speech" (2010).

Gambon was married to actress Anne Miller from 1962 to 1980. They had one son, Fergal Gambon. In 1992, Gambon married Philippa Hart. They had two children, Michael Gambon Jr. and Will Gambon.

Gambon was a respected and admired actor who had a long and successful career. He will be remembered for his many great performances, both on stage and on screen.