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

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.

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."

"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.

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

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

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’.

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

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).

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.”

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.

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."

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

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

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.