Michael Gambon, known as Harry Potter's Dumbledore, dies at 82: Tributes from JK Rowling, other celebs pour in

Popular Hollywood actor Sir Michael Gambon has died at the age of 82. His family has confirmed the development in a press statement. Tributes to the legendary personality have started pouring in.

Rest In Peace, Michael Gambon. 

Today is a sad day for fans of Harry Potter movies! British-Irish actor Sir Michael Gambon, best known for playing the role of Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight Harry Potter films, has died in hospital aged 82. He was suffering from pneumonia. His family confirmed the development today in a press statement.

What’s the press statement all about?

“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,” read the press statement issued by the actor’s family today.

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Tributes pour in

This development sent a series of shock waves in the Hollywood industry. A popular fan page of the Harry Potter series wrote on microblogging site X today, “We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Michael Gambon. He brought immeasurable joy to Harry Potter fans from all over the world with his humour, kindness, and grace. We will forever hold his memory in our hearts.”

J.K. Rowling, the author of the much-loved series of seven Harry Potter novels on X sadly expressed, “I have just heard the awful news about Michael Gambon. The first time I ever laid eyes on him was in King Lear, in 1982, and if you'd told me then that brilliant actor would appear in anything I'd written, I'd have thought you were insane. Michael was a wonderful man in addition to being an outstanding actor, and I absolutely loved working with him, not only on Potter but also The Casual Vacancy. My deepest condolences go to Michael's family and everyone who loved him.”

James Andrew Eric Phelps, a popular English actor known for playing Fred Weasley in the Harry Potter film series, commented on X, “Very sorry to hear about the passing of Michael Gambon. He was, on and off the camera, a legend. Just a little memory of Michael.”

Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, the official production house of Harry Potter movies also expressed their condolences on the development.

Besides the Harry Potter series, Michael received four BAFTA Awards for television shows ‘The Singing Detective’ (1986), ‘Wives and Daughters’ (1999), ‘Longitude’ (2000), and ‘Perfect Strangers’ (2001).

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