Michael Gambon

Born:October 19, 1940

Place of Birth:Cabra, Dublin, Ireland

Died:September 27, 2023

Known For:Acting

Biography

Sir Michael John Gambon, a distinguished Irish-English actor, graced the stage and screen with his immense talent and remarkable presence. With a career spanning over six decades, Gambon's contributions to the world of acting are unparalleled. His journey began alongside the legendary Laurence Olivier at the Royal National Theatre, marking the inception of a remarkable career that would leave a lasting impact on the industry.

Known for his captivating performances in works by William Shakespeare, Gambon's portrayal of iconic characters in plays such as Othello, Hamlet, and Macbeth showcased his versatility and depth as an actor. His stage presence was magnetic, earning him critical acclaim and a multitude of accolades, including three Olivier Awards and a knighthood bestowed upon him by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998 for his outstanding services to drama.

Transitioning seamlessly between stage and screen, Gambon made a significant mark in the world of cinema with his memorable roles in a plethora of films. From his early days in "Othello" to his portrayal of Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter film series, Gambon's on-screen charisma and range captivated audiences worldwide. His performances in acclaimed films such as "Gosford Park," "The King's Speech," and "Victoria & Abdul" solidified his status as a cinematic powerhouse.

Beyond the realm of film, Gambon's television work further showcased his exceptional acting prowess. Garnering multiple BAFTA Awards for his roles in "The Singing Detective," "Wives and Daughters," and other notable projects, Gambon's ability to immerse himself in diverse characters was truly remarkable. His contributions to the small screen were recognized with prestigious accolades, including Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his compelling performances.

In addition to his stage, film, and television achievements, Gambon's legacy extended to the realm of voice acting, as seen in his collaborations with acclaimed director Wes Anderson in films like "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" and "Fantastic Mr. Fox." His distinctive voice and nuanced delivery added depth to animated characters, further showcasing his versatility as a performer.

Throughout his illustrious career, Gambon's dedication to his craft and his ability to breathe life into characters of varying complexities set him apart as a true acting virtuoso. His impact on the entertainment industry was profound, leaving an indelible mark on audiences and peers alike. As a recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including a Tony Award nomination and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Irish Film & Television Academy, Gambon's contributions to the world of acting will continue to inspire generations to come.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Albus Dumbledore

2004

Year three at Hogwarts means new fun and challenges as Harry learns the delicate art of approaching a Hippogriff, transforming shape-shifting Boggarts into hilarity and even turning back time. But the term also brings danger: soul-sucking Dementors hover over the school, an ally of the accursed He-Who-Cannot-Be-Named lurks within the castle walls, and fearsome wizard Sirius Black escapes Azkaban. And Harry will confront them all.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Albus Dumbledore

2005

When Harry Potter's name emerges from the Goblet of Fire, he becomes a competitor in a grueling battle for glory among three wizarding schools—the Triwizard Tournament. But since Harry never submitted his name for the Tournament, who did? Now Harry must confront a deadly dragon, fierce water demons and an enchanted maze only to find himself in the cruel grasp of He Who Must Not Be Named.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Albus Dumbledore

2011

Harry, Ron and Hermione continue their quest to vanquish the evil Voldemort once and for all. Just as things begin to look hopeless for the young wizards, Harry discovers a trio of magical objects that endow him with powers to rival Voldemort's formidable skills.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Albus Dumbledore

2007

Returning for his fifth year of study at Hogwarts, Harry is stunned to find that his warnings about the return of Lord Voldemort have been ignored. Left with no choice, Harry takes matters into his own hands, training a small group of students to defend themselves against the dark arts.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

Albus Dumbledore

2010

Harry, Ron and Hermione walk away from their last year at Hogwarts to find and destroy the remaining Horcruxes, putting an end to Voldemort's bid for immortality. But with Harry's beloved Dumbledore dead and Voldemort's unscrupulous Death Eaters on the loose, the world is more dangerous than ever.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Albus Dumbledore

2009

As Lord Voldemort tightens his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds, Hogwarts is no longer a safe haven. Harry suspects perils may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle fast approaching. Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemorts defenses and to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information. Even as the decisive showdown looms, romance blossoms for Harry, Ron, Hermione and their classmates. Love is in the air, but danger lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.

Paddington

Uncle Pastuzo (voice)

2014

A young Peruvian bear travels to London in search of a home. Finding himself lost and alone at Paddington Station, he meets the kindly Brown family, who offer him a temporary haven.

Paddington 2

Uncle Pastuzo (voice)

2017

Paddington, now happily settled with the Browns, picks up a series of odd jobs to buy the perfect present for his Aunt Lucy, but it is stolen.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle

Arthur

2017

When an attack on the Kingsman headquarters takes place and a new villain rises, Eggsy and Merlin are forced to work together with the American agency known as the Statesman to save the world.

Fantastic Mr. Fox

Franklin Bean (voice)

2009

The Fantastic Mr. Fox, bored with his current life, plans a heist against the three local farmers. The farmers, tired of sharing their chickens with the sly fox, seek revenge against him and his family.

The Book of Eli

George

2010

A post-apocalyptic tale, in which a lone man fights his way across America in order to protect a sacred book that holds the secrets to saving humankind.

Sleepy Hollow

Baltus Van Tassel

1999

Skeptical young detective Ichabod Crane gets transferred to the hamlet of Sleepy Hollow, New York, where he is tasked with investigating the decapitations of three people – murders the townsfolk attribute to a legendary specter, The Headless Horseman.

The King's Speech

King George V

2010

The King's Speech tells the story of the man who became King George VI, the father of Queen Elizabeth II. After his brother abdicates, George ('Bertie') reluctantly assumes the throne. Plagued by a dreaded stutter and considered unfit to be king, Bertie engages the help of an unorthodox speech therapist named Lionel Logue. Through a set of unexpected techniques, and as a result of an unlikely friendship, Bertie is able to find his voice and boldly lead the country into war.

Layer Cake

Eddie Temple

2004

When a seemingly straight-forward drug deal goes awry, XXXX has to break his die-hard rules and turn up the heat, not only to outwit the old regime and come out on top, but to save his own skin...

Johnny English Strikes Again

Agent Five

2018

Disaster strikes when a criminal mastermind reveals the identities of all active undercover agents in Britain. The secret service can now rely on only one man - Johnny English. Currently teaching at a minor prep school, Johnny springs back into action to find the mysterious hacker. For this mission to succeed, he’ll need all of his skills - what few he has - as the man with yesterday’s analogue methods faces off against tomorrow’s digital technology.

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow

Paley

2004

When gigantic robots attack New York City, "Sky Captain" uses his private air force to fight them off. His ex-girlfriend, reporter Polly Perkins, has been investigating the recent disappearance of prominent scientists. Suspecting a link between the global robot attacks and missing men, Sky Captain and Polly decide to work together. They fly to the Himalayas in pursuit of the mysterious Dr. Totenkopf, the mastermind behind the robots.

The Insider

Thomas Sandefur

1999

A research chemist comes under personal and professional attack when he decides to appear in a 60 Minutes exposé on Big Tobacco.

The Omen

Bugenhagen

2006

A diplomatic couple adopts the son of the devil without knowing it. A remake of the classic horror film of the same name from 1976.

Judy

Bernard Delfont

2019

Thirty years after starring in "The Wizard of Oz," beloved actress and singer Judy Garland arrives in London to perform sold-out shows at the Talk of the Town nightclub. While there, she reminisces with friends and fans and begins a whirlwind romance with musician Mickey Deans, her soon-to-be fifth husband.

Hail, Caesar!

Narrator (voice)

2016

When a Hollywood star mysteriously disappears in the middle of filming, the studio sends their fixer to get him back.

The Good Shepherd

Dr. Fredericks

2006

Edward Wilson, the only witness to his father's suicide and member of the Skull and Bones Society while a student at Yale, is a morally upright young man who values honor and discretion, qualities that help him to be recruited for a career in the newly founded OSS. His dedication to his work does not come without a price though, leading him to sacrifice his ideals and eventually his family.

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou

Oseary Drakoulias

2004

Renowned oceanographer Steve Zissou has sworn vengeance upon the rare shark that devoured a member of his crew. In addition to his regular team, he is joined on his boat by Ned, a man who believes Zissou to be his father, and Jane, a journalist pregnant by a married man. They travel the sea, all too often running into pirates and, perhaps more traumatically, various figures from Zissou's past, including his estranged wife, Eleanor.

Gosford Park

William McCordle

2001

In 1930s England, a group of pretentious rich and famous gather together for a weekend of relaxation at a hunting resort. But when a murder occurs, each one of these interesting characters becomes a suspect.

Open Range

Denton Baxter

2003

A former gunslinger is forced to take up arms again when he and his cattle crew are threatened by a corrupt lawman.

The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover

Albert Spica

1989

The wife of an abusive criminal finds solace in the arms of a kind regular guest in her husband's restaurant.

Ali G Indahouse

Prime Minister

2002

Ali G unwittingly becomes a pawn in the evil Chancellor's plot to overthrow the Prime Minister of Great Britain. However, instead of bringing the Prime Minister down, Ali is embraced by the nation as the voice of youth and 'realness', making the Prime Minister and his government more popular than ever.

Toys

General Zevo

1992

Leslie Zevo is a fun-loving inventor who must save his late father's toy factory from his evil uncle, Leland, a war-mongering general who rules the operation with an iron fist and builds weapons disguised as toys.

King of Thieves

Billy 'The Fish' Lincoln

2018

London, England, April 2015. Brian Reader, a retired thief, gathers an unlikely gang of burglars to perpetrate the biggest and boldest heist in British history. The thieves assault the Hatton Garden Safe Deposit Company and escape with millions in goods and money. But soon the cracks between the gang members begin to appear when they discuss how to share the loot.

Page Eight

Benedict Baron

2011

Johnny is a long-serving MI5 officer. His boss dies suddenly, leaving behind an inexplicable file which threatens the stability of the organisation.