Michael Gambon has died aged 82

Award-winning actor Michael Gambon has died aged 82.

To many, Irish-English performer Gambon was most well-known for taking on the role of Albus Dumbledore in the majority of the Harry Potter films, though on stage he played a number of iconic roles.

A large number of these were at the National Theatre, where he was part of the original company of performers taking on productions at the Old Vic (before the National’s home was constructed). Playing there for four years in many NT productions, he then went on to return to the venue across his career.

His final stage appearance came in Eh Joe at Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh (2013) and Schiller Theater, Berlin (2014), while his final West End/London performances were in Krapp’s Last Tape at Duchess Theatre (2010) and All That Fall at Jermyn Street Theatre/Arts Theatre (2012). In 2015 he announced his retirement from live acting.

Whilst nominated for 13 Olivier Awards, he won on three occasions – for A Chorus of Disapproval (1986), A View from the Bridge (1988), and Man of the Moment (1990). He was nominated for a WhatsOnStage Award for his turn in Krapp’s Last Tape in 2011.

Key credits included Skylight, A Number, The Caretaker, Endgame, The Norman Conquests, The Unexpected Man and No Man’s Land.  In 2013, he also took part in the NT’s 50th anniversary celebrations. 

A statement on behalf of his wife Lady Gambon and son Fergus 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.”

Winner of four BAFTA Awards, he was knighted in 1999.

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