MOVIE NEWS – The stars of Harry Potter pay tribute to the influence and legacy of Sir Michael Gambon, who died yesterday.

In a world where magic and reality are seamlessly intertwined, and where fantastical creatures breathe the same air as humans, the paragon of acting talent, Sir Michael Gambon, who breathed life into the revered character of Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter film series, has departed this earthly world. He has left a colossal film footprint. His absence resonates warmly in the hearts of his colleagues and followers.

The stars of the wizarding world have come forward to pay tribute to the remarkable man behind the illustrious figure of Dumbledore. The revered actor died of pneumonia at the age of 82.

Taking over from Richard Harris in the third Harry Potter film, Gambon’s portrayal of Dumbledore won him acclaim and love from audiences and colleagues alike.

Despite his late entry into the magical franchise, the six films that followed were the culmination of a career spanning more than five decades. His portrayal of Albus Dumbledore marked the culmination of his artistic journey. Letterboxd’s list of the best Harry Potter films is topped by the third film in which Gambon first appeared in the role.

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling shared her admiration for Gambon, recalling the first time she saw him perform and couldn’t believe he would ever appear in not one but two of her franchises.

And Daniel Radcliffe told Entertainment Weekly how much fun he had with Gambon and how he will no doubt be sadly missed.

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

His fellow actors in the Harry Potter series also paid their heartfelt tributes to the revered actor. Fiona Shaw, who played Petunia Dursley, recalled her relationship with Gambon in the role. In her words to BBC Radio 4, Gambon’s skill in navigating the realms of reality and fantasy is well illustrated. In his view, this is what gave the famous magician his genius. The emotional appeal of his character was magnified by his ability to weave in elements of his Irish origins.

Sir Michael Gambon’s sudden departure left a void

The words of respect and appreciation for Gambon were shared by Jared Harris, son of the late Richard Harris. He paid tribute to Gambon’s unforgettable stage presence and his seamless continuation of the Dumbledore legacy begun by his father.

The effortless transition and outstanding performance was a testament to Gambon’s exceptional talent, and was shared by audiences around the world.

Jason Isaacs joined the tribute, celebrated as Lucius Malfoy, who admired Gambon’s wide-ranging acting skills and his motivating role in Isaacs’ personal development as an actor.

Recalling his unforgettable impact, Isaacs praised Gambon’s ability to shape his characters into human figures, relatable despite their fantastical setting. The sudden death of Sir Michael Gambon leaves a void in the panorama of cinema.

But his legacy as an actor and mentor lives on in the stories shared by his colleagues and in the hearts of countless fans who relive the magic he brought to the world. His portrayal of Albus Dumbledore will echo forever in the shadowy corridors of Hogwarts and beyond, inscribing his spirit in the film annals and comforting the magical legacy he leaves behind.

Source: Entertainment Weekly, Letterboxd, X (1, 2)

I've 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 additional…

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 28, 2023

Hilarious! A brilliant actor. I saw him on stage several times, and he lives unforgettably in my memory. He took over Dumbledore from my father, which was fitting as he over took Brando as my father’s favourite actor. https://t.co/BMGDDTtM2w

— Jared Harris🎭 (@JaredHarris) September 28, 2023