“Harry Potter” actors pay tribute to Michael Gambon
Following the death of the actor who played Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight blockbuster films, his former Harry Potter cast members paid countless tributes to Michael Gambon. Gambon’s death at age 82 was confirmed Thursday by his publicist.
A statement from the actor’s family said he died after “a bout with pneumonia.”
“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,” his family said.
Daniel Radcliffe, who played the title role in the “Harry Potter” series, expressed his sadness over Gambon’s loss in a statement to The Times.
“With the loss of Michael Gambon, the world became a lot less fun,” he said. “Michael Gambon was one of the most brilliant and effortless actors I have ever had the pleasure of working with, but despite his immense talent, what I will remember most about him is how much fun he had doing his work.” He was goofy, irreverent and hilarious. He loved his job, but never seemed defined by it.
“He was an incredible storyteller and joke teller, and his habit of blurring the lines between fact and fiction when speaking to journalists also made him one of the most entertaining people you could hope to have a press conference with.”
Radcliffe shared that he became particularly close to Gambon during the filming of “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” in 2009.
“In the sixth film, I spent the most time with Michael, and he made the hours we spent together in front of a green screen more memorable and joyful than they should be,” Radcliffe said. “I am so sad to hear that he has died, but I am so grateful to be one of the lucky people who got to work with him.”
Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley in the film series, posted a photo of Gambon in full Dumbledore attire his Instagram following news of the Irish actor’s death.
“So sad to hear about Michael. He brought so much warmth and mischief to set every day,” Grint captioned the post. “He fascinated me as a child and has become a personal role model for me when it comes to finding the fun and eccentricity in life.” I send all my love to his family, Rupert.”
Grint’s on-screen sister, Bonnie Wright, also posted a tribute to Gambon Instagram.
“I was forever impressed by Michael’s presence and performance. “His deep, mischievous voice would vibrate through the Great Hall between scenes,” wrote the actor who played Ginny Weasley. “He was quintessentially Dumbledore, a constant, warm and guiding figure. Rest in peace Michael. I send my love to your family.”
JK Rowling, the creator of the “Harry Potter” universe, shared in a X contribution Her first memory of seeing Gambon.
“I just heard the terrible news about Michael Gambon. The first time I saw him was in King Lear in 1982, and if you had told me then that this brilliant actor would appear in anything I wrote, I would have thought you were crazy,” she wrote . “Michael was not only a wonderful man but also an outstanding actor and I absolutely enjoyed working with him, not only on Potter but also on The Casual Vacancy. My deepest condolences go out to Michael’s family and everyone who loved him.”
Irish actress Fiona Shaw, who took on the role of Petunia Dursley, remembered Gambon’s deep love for his craft.
“I will consider him a trickster, just a brilliant, great trickster. But with text there was nothing like it; He could do anything,” she told BBC Radio 4. “He just loved the uncertainty between reality and unreality, and of course that made him a very great actor.” … He said to me once in the car: “I know “I talk a lot about this and that, but in the end it’s all about acting.” I think he always acted like he didn’t take it seriously, but he took it deeply seriously, I think. “
Other cast members who paid tribute included Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy, and James Phelps, who portrayed Fred Weasley. Check out their honors below.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
