The entertainment world is in mourning following the passing of the legendary actor Sir Michael Gambon, renowned for his portrayal of Professor Albus Dumbledore in the beloved Harry Potter film series. While fans worldwide are deeply saddened by this loss, it has hit even harder for those who had the privilege of working alongside him, including Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint. They have shared heartfelt tributes, reminiscing about their time spent with the iconic actor.
Daniel Radcliffe, who portrayed Harry Potter, released a touching statement expressing his profound grief over the loss of Michael Gambon. Radcliffe’s words shed light on the camaraderie they shared during their time on the Harry Potter set.
He praised Gambon’s exceptional acting skills and highlighted the actor’s unique approach to his craft. Radcliffe also fondly remembered Gambon’s infectious sense of humor and playful demeanor, which made the long hours on set enjoyable for everyone involved. His statement read,
With the loss of Michael Gambon the world just became considerably less fun. Michael Gambon was one of the most brilliant, effortless actors I’ve ever had the privilege of working with, but despite his immense talent, the thing I will remember most about him is how much fun he had doing his job. He was silly, irreverent and hilarious. He loved his job, but never seemed defined by it. He was an incredible story and joke teller and his habit of blurring the lines of fact and fiction when talking to journalists meant that he was also one of the most entertaining people with whom you could ever wish to do a press junket. The sixth film was where I got to spend the most time working with Michael and he made the hours spent in front of a green screen together more memorable and joyous than they had any right to be, I’m so sad to hear he has passed, but I am so grateful for the fact that I am one of the lucky people who got to work with him.
Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series, paid tribute to Gambon on her Instagram story. She thanked him for showing them what it means to wear greatness lightly and expressed her heartfelt farewell. Her tribute reflects the deep respect and admiration that Gambon garnered from his co-stars.
Rupert Grint, known for his portrayal of Ron Weasley, posted a heartfelt tribute to Gambon on social media. Grint remembered Gambon’s warmth and mischief on set, praising him as a personal role model for embracing life’s fun and eccentricities. He sent his love to Gambon’s family and expressed his admiration for the late actor.
Harry Potter’s Official Tribute
The official Harry Potter account on social media also paid its respects to the late actor. The statement acknowledged Gambon’s immense contribution to the Harry Potter franchise, noting the joy, humor, kindness, and grace he brought to fans worldwide. Gambon had taken on the role of Professor Dumbledore in 2004’s The Prisoner of Azkaban, succeeding the late Richard Harris.
A Storied Career
Michael Gambon’s career was illustrious, earning him numerous awards and accolades. He won two Screen Actors Guild Awards for his roles in Gosford Park and The King’s Speech. Additionally, he received four BAFTA Awards for his work in The Singing Detective, Wives and Daughters, Longitude, and Perfect Strangers.
Gambon’s exceptional talent extended to the stage, where he won three Olivier Awards and earned a Tony Award nomination. In 1999, Michael Gambon received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry.
A representative for Sir Michael Gambon confirmed his passing in a statement. The Irish-English actor, beloved husband, and father passed away peacefully in a hospital, surrounded by his wife, Anne, and son, Fergus. The cause of death was pneumonia, and Gambon was 82 years old. The statement also requested privacy for the family during this difficult time.