Michael Gambon, the veteran British-Irish actor best known worldwide for his role as the wise Professor Albus Dumbledore in the "Harry Potter" film series, passed away today, Thursday, at the age of 82. Gambon, who began his career under the mentorship of Laurence Olivier, died in the hospital, as reported by the Press Association citing a statement from his family.
Gambon began acting on stage in the early 1960s before moving to television and film. However, his most recognized role was that of Dumbledore, which he took on from the third part of the eight-film series after replacing the late Richard Harris in 2004. Regarding the praise he received for his performance, Gambon noted that he was simply portraying his true self, albeit "with a glued-on beard and a long robe."
Michael John Gambon was born on October 19, 1940, in Dublin. His family moved to London when he was six years old, as his father sought work in the city's post-war reconstruction. Gambon left school at the age of 15 to begin an engineering apprenticeship. However, he later told the Herald in 2004 that he was a member of an amateur theater group and always knew he would act. He was greatly influenced by American actors Marlon Brando and James Dean, whom he felt embodied the concerns of youth during that era.
