The death of Sir Michael Gambon has left the entertainment industry and fans across the globe in mourning. The actor is best known for his portrayal of Professor Albus Dumbledore in six Harry Potter films.

Sir Michael Gambon, originally from Dublin, Ireland, passed away at 82 in a hospital due to pneumonia.

His journey in the entertainment industry spanned six decades in which he excelled in television, film, theatre, and radio. His contributions were widely recognised, as evidenced by his four BAFTA Awards.

Daniel Radcliffe, who played the role of Harry Potter alongside Sir Michael, praised the late actor’s brilliant and effortless acting. Radcliffe noted, “He loved his job and gave everything to it, but he wasn’t defined by it.”

Emma Watson, who portrayed Hermione Granger, expressed her gratitude to Sir Michael Gambon for more than his exceptional acting prowess.

JK Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, referred to Sir Michael Gambon as a “wonderful man and an outstanding actor.” Fiona Shaw, another Harry Potter star, highlighted Sir Michael’s versatility and his ability to excel in a wide range of acting roles throughout his long and diverse career.

Sir Michael Gambon made his debut stage appearance in Ireland in 1962. He performed in a production of Othello in Dublin. His family relocated to London when he was a child.

Sir Michael Gambon’s theatre performance earned him three coveted Olivier Awards.

Although theatre was his first love, Sir Michael Gambon gained widespread recognition on television and in film during the 1980s and 1990s. His television career during this period was marked by groundbreaking roles, including the titular character in the BBC One drama The Singing Detective. The complex narrative by writer Dennis Potter challenged conventional storytelling and showcased Sir Michael’s ability to inhabit intricate characters.

Another memorable TV role saw him don the hat of the Parisian detective Jules Maigret in an ITV adaptation of Georges Simenon’s classic novels, adding another layer to his impressive repertoire.

In 1985, Sir Michael took on the demanding role of the famous playwright Oscar Wilde in a BBC Two series focusing on Wilde’s criminal trial and imprisonment, demonstrating his ability to tackle historical figures with finesse.

Sir Michael Gambon’s cinematic brilliance was on full display in the 1989 film The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover. His portrayal of the thief, a gluttonous and morally corrupt character, left an indelible mark on audiences and critics alike.

Dame Helen Mirren, who played Sir Michael Gambon’s adulterous wife in The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover, remembers him as a “naughty but very, very funny” friend. She recounted their shared laughter during filming and their joint appearance in the stage production of Antony and Cleopatra seven years earlier.

He also made a memorable comedic cameo appearance as the prime minister in Ali G Indahouse.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar offered his tribute, acknowledging, “An exceptional actor. Whether on the stage with Beckett, in the works of Dennis Potter, or the enchanting world of Harry Potter, he poured his heart and soul into every portrayal.”