“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live,”
Michael Gambon is one of the most respected entertainment actors and has brought great content to the film industry over the years. Many great films of his include The Kings Speech, Gosford Park, The Insider, and more famously, the Harry Potter series. His work impacted so many aspiring actors across the world and definitely changed the film industry for the better.
Born on October 19, 1940 in Ireland, Gambon moved shortly to England and became a British citizen. His acting journey began when he discovered his love for theater in grade school, which continued on to the start of his career when he started performing in plays such as Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and Henry VIII. His first ever onscreen role was Othello, where he played the Senator. Gambon’s film career really took off with his role as Albert Spica in The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover, and ever since then, he has had nothing but pure success.
Due to Gambon’s astounding work, he received many awards including three Olivier awards, an award recognizing professional theater in London, four BAFTA awards, and was even knighted by the late Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to the arts in 1998. Being knighted is a huge accomplishment for any actor, but for those who are unaware, being knighted is a title given to an individual by a British king or queen for their services to the country. Gambon then made a huge decision that many think is his best work in film.
The popular children’s book Harry Potter was taking bookstores by storm and the first two movies in the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, were a box office success. At the time, Richard Harris first had the iconic role of Dumbledore but passed away just before the second film was released. Director Alfonso Cuarón had to find a replacement for Harris and luckily found Gambon. Both actors took the character Dumbledore and made it their own, Gambon especially created a shift from Harris’s role, the kind, sweet, and nurturing headmaster, and taking a more serious and stern look to the character.
The world is in deep mourning over the loss of such an adored actor in Hollywood who brought such warmth and light to our television screens. His work will be remembered by everyone and we send our condolences to his family at this time. Gambon will always hold a special place in people’s hearts in the eyes of entertainment.
