Goodbye to Sir Michael Gambon, star from Harry Potter, The Singing Detective

Died peacefully in his sleep
Official statement
Pneumonia was the end of him
Hollywood star and classic British TV actor
Dumbledore
More than just Harry Potter
TV star
Hollywood star
Age takes its toll
Knighted for his services
Tributes from famous colleagues
Fred Weasley
'On and off the camera, a legend'
The Harry Potter world
Memories of a fun colleague
Personal life
Michael Gambon and Philippa Hart
A double life
Need for speed
Died peacefully in his sleep

Micheal Gambon, the Dublin-born actor, known for his many roles including Albus Dumbledore in the 'Harry Potter' series, has died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family.

Official statement

A statement was released by publicist Clair Hobbs, on behalf of his widowed wife, Lady Anne Gambon, and their son, Fergus. It said: “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon."

Pneumonia was the end of him

"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,” the statement concluded.

Hollywood star and classic British TV actor

Sir Michael Gambon had an incredible six-decade-long career. He received three Olivier Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and four BAFTA Awards.

Dumbledore

For the young generation, Gambon is mostly associated with 'Harry Potter,' where he played the wizard Albus Dumbledore.

More than just Harry Potter

However, the older generation has seen him for years in classics like ‘Layer Cake’, ‘The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover’ and ‘Victoria & Abdul’.

TV star

He also appeared in classic British TV dramas such as ‘The Singing Detective’, ‘Maigret ‘, ‘Emma’ And ‘Little Women’.

Hollywood star

Michael Gambon wasn’t just a star in Britain. He also appeared in numerous Hollywood films such as ‘Sleepy Hollow’ (1999), ‘Open Range’ (2003), 'The King's Speech' (2010), and ‘The Book of Eli’ (2010).

Age takes its toll

But as the years passed, sadly Gambon began to have difficulties remembering his lines. So the live theatre, where he really did some of his best work, became a difficulty for him. In 2014, The Guardian quoted the actor as saying: “I feel sad about it. I love the theatre but I can’t see myself playing massive parts again.”

Knighted for his services

Gambon was knighted for services to drama in 1998. He was, very ceremoniously, dubbed on each shoulder with the investiture sword by the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Tributes from famous colleagues

Posting to X (Twitter), comedian David Baddiel said: "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."

Fred Weasley

James Phelps, who played Fred Weasley in 'Harry Potter,' wrote a kind message for his co-star.

'On and off the camera, a legend'

He said: "Very sorry to hear about the passing of Michael Gambon. He was, on and off the camera, a legend."

The Harry Potter world

Of course, Harry Potter fans in general would be devastated at the news. A fan page on X, Harry Potter Universe, asked followers to "Please raise your wands for Michael and all of his family and friends during this difficult time."

Memories of a fun colleague

The set of 'Harry Potter' had always been a mad - but fun - one! Sir Michael Gambon and Alan Rickman once pranked Daniel Radcliffe with a 'f a r t machine' on the set of 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban'. As one of the takes was being recorded, Michael Gambon pranked Radcliffe by pressing a button to set off the machine placed in the teenage actor’s sleeping bag.

Personal life

Gambon married mathematician Anne Miller in 1962 when he was 22 years old. They had one son, Fergus, who later became a ceramics expert on the BBC series 'Antiques Roadshow.' Gambon was always very private about his personal life and kept his family firmly away from the dazzle of the media glare, until... he didn't.

Michael Gambon and Philippa Hart

During the filming of Gosford Park in 2001, Gambon brought a young lady called Philippa Hart to the set and introduced her as his girlfriend. In 2002 he moved out of the family home, and in 2009, Philippa Hart gave birth to his second child.

A double life

According to The Mail, Anne Miller got used to this second relationship, and Gambon actually spent his time between his two families. He also kept a private residence in London, for himself, for some personal time.

Need for speed

The actor also made it known that he loved his transport. Not only was Gambon a qualified private pilot, but he also loved cars. The actor even had a corner named after him on the TV show ‘Top Gear’, after racing a Suzuki Liana around the track particularly aggressively.