Michael Gambon's 'Harry Potter' Costars Pay Poignant Tribute After His Death At 82

Irish-English actor Michael Gambon, who was most famous for playing Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films died on Wednesday at 82 after suffering from pneumonia.

Gambon first appeared as the Hogwarts' headmaster in the third film in the franchise, 2004's Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, following the death of his predecessor Richard Harris, who died in 2002.

Gambon's death was announced on Thursday on behalf of his beloved wife and son.

In a statement obtained by Variety , Gambon's family confirmed:

"We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon."

“Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia.”

His Harry Potter costars paid poignant tributes to their late friend and colleague starting with Daniel Radcliffe, who played the titular character in all eight movie installments in the fantasy series based on the books by author J.K. Rowling.

Radcliffe shared with Entertainment Weekly what Gambon was like as an individual outside of acting. 

"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 continued:

"He was silly, irreverent and hilarious. He loved his job, but never seemed defined by it."

Radcliffe recalled being close with Gambon most while working on Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

"The sixth film was where I got to spend the most time working with Michael."

"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."

Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy, shared the impact Gambon had on him as an actor.

"Magnificent Michael Gambon has died. I learned what acting could be from Michael in 'The Singing Detective' - complex, vulnerable and utterly human."

"The greatest thrill of being in the Potter films was that he knew my name and shared his fearless, filthy sense of fun with me."

Bulgarian actor Stanislav Yanevski, who played Viktor Krum in 2005's Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, penned a heartfelt message on his Instagram story, expressing that he'll "treasure all the great memories, laughter and lessons forever."

@stan_yanevski/Instagram

James Phelps, who played Fred Weasley in the film series, shared a favorite on-set memory of working with Gambon, whom he called a "legend" on and off camera.

@James_Phelps/X

Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley in the films, also paid tribute on Instagram, remarking:

"So sad to hear about Michael. He brought so much warmth and mischief to every day on set."

"He captivated me as a kid and became a personal role model of mine for finding the fun and eccentricities in life. Sending all my love to his family, Rupert."

Fiona Shaw, who brilliantly portrayed Aunt Petunia Dursley, told BBC Radio 4 she will think of Gambon as "a trickster, just brilliant, magnificent trickster," adding:

"There was nothing like him, he could do anything."

Fans joined the actors in memorializing the beloved actor.

Also joining the fans and costars was J.K. Rowling, who penned a heartfelt tribute to Gambon on X.

@jk_rowling/X

Gambon started his acting career as an original member of the Royal National Theatre with Laurence Olivier as his mentor and the company's first artistic director.

Gambon's theatrical performances included many works of William Shakespeare like Othello, Hamlet, Macbeth, and Coriolanus.

He made his Broadway debut in 1997 in David Hare's Skylight, for which he was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play.

In 1965, he made his film debut in Othello and continued working in numerous other movies including Gosford Park, The King’s Speech, and Kingsman: The Golden Circle as well as the Wes Anderson films The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou and Fantastic Mr. Fox.
 

Gambon was the recipient of three Olivier Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and four BAFTA Awards.

He will forever be remembered by friends and colleagues for his inspiration and sense of humor.

Rest in peace, Michael.