Stars are paying tribute to the late Michael Gambon following the actor’s death at the age of 82.
The veteran actor, who was known for playing Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight Harry Potter films, died following ‘a bout of pneumonia’, his family confirmed in a statement.
After the shock news of his death made headlines, Harry Potter stars Rupert Grint, Bonnie Wright and Dan Radcliffe led tributes to Gambon.
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“So sad to hear about Michael. He brought so much warmth and mischief to every day on set,” Grint’s post began.
“He captivated me as a kid and became a personal role model of mine for finding the fun and eccentricities in life. Sending all my love to his family, Rupert,” the actor finished.
Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in the films, said the late veteran actor was ‘Dumbledore through and through’.
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“I was forever in awe of Michael’s presence and performance. His deep mischievous voice between scenes would vibrate through the Great Hall,” she said.
“He was Dumbledore through and through a constant, warm and guiding figure. Rest in peace Michael. Sending love to your family ❤️.”
Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter in the hit film franchise, issued a statement to Variety which read: “With the loss of Michael Gambon the world just became considerably less fun.”
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“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. He was an incredible story and joke teller and his habit of blurring the lines of fact and fiction when talking to journalists meant that he was also one of the most entertaining people with whom you could ever wish to do a press junket.”
He added how ‘lucky’ he was to have worked with Gambon over the years.
“The sixth film was where I got to spend the most time working with Michael and he made the hours spent in front of a green screen together more memorable and joyous than they had any right to be. I’m so sad to hear he has passed, but I am so grateful for the fact that I am one of the lucky people who got to work with him,” he finished.
Harry Potter author J.K Rowling said Gambon’s death was ‘awful’ news.
“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,” Rowling wrote on X.
“Michael was a wonderful man in additional 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.”
- Additional reporting by AP.