Michael Gambon A life in the arts
Sir Michael Gambon CBE (19 October 1940 – 28 September 2023) was an Irish-English actor. Gambon started his acting career as one of the original members of the Royal National Theatre under Laurence Olivier. Over his six-decade-long career he received three Olivier Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and four BAFTA Awards. In 1999 he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to drama.
Gambon was born in Cabra, Dublin, during World War II. His family moved to London when he was five years old. He attended St. Aloysius’ College, a Catholic grammar school in Highgate, North London. After leaving school, he worked as a bank clerk and a labourer before deciding to pursue a career in acting.
Gambon trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) from 1960 to 1962. After graduating, he joined the Royal National Theatre, where he appeared in many productions of works by William Shakespeare, including Othello, Hamlet, Macbeth, and Coriolanus. He also performed in plays by other leading playwrights, such as Samuel Beckett, Harold Pinter, and Tom Stoppard.
In the 1970s, Gambon began to appear in television and film. He had a recurring role in the BBC series The Naked Civil Servant (1975) and starred in the BBC adaptation of Dennis Potter’s novel The Singing Detective (1986). His film credits include The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989), Gosford Park (2001), and The King’s Speech (2010).
Gambon is best known to the general public for his role as Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter film series, taking over the role from Richard Harris after Harris’ death in 2002. He appeared in the last five films in the series, from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011).
Gambon was a highly respected actor who was known for his versatility and range. He was able to play a wide variety of roles, from Shakespearean heroes to gritty working-class characters. He was also known for his sense of humor and his love of life.
Gambon died on 28 September 2023 at the age of 82 after a long illness. He was survived by his wife, Philippa Hart, and their three children.
Legacy
Michael Gambon was one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation. He was known for his powerful and nuanced performances on stage and screen. His legacy will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for many years to come.
Here are some of his most notable performances:
The Singing Detective (1986) as Philip Marlow
Gorky Park (1983) as Arkady Renko
The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989) as Albert Spica
Gosford Park (2001) as Sir William McCordle
The King’s Speech (2010) as King George VI
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011) as Albus Dumbledore
Gambon was a true giant of the arts, and his loss will be deeply felt by the world of entertainment.
