Daniel Radcliffe mentioned that the actor was outstanding and made acting look easy. He loved his work but didn’t let it completely define him.
Emma Watson expressed gratitude to Sir Michael for demonstrating how to carry greatness with humility.
JK Rowling praised Sir Michael as a wonderful man and an exceptional actor.
Fiona Shaw, another star from the Harry Potter series, acknowledged that Sir Michael demonstrated his ability to excel in various roles throughout his long and diverse career as an actor.
Although Sir Michael’s family relocated to London when he was a child, he actually made his debut stage appearance in Ireland. His first performance was in Dublin in 1962 in a production of Othello.
Sir Michael’s career took a significant leap when he joined Laurence Olivier’s National Theatre acting company in London. He later earned three Olivier awards for his outstanding performances in productions at the National Theatre.
While he considered his theater work the most significant, Sir Michael received praise for several notable television and film roles during the 1980s and 1990s. One standout role was in the groundbreaking and controversial BBC One drama, The Singing Detective, where he portrayed the title character, a complex role in a story by writer Dennis Potter.
In addition to his diverse roles, he portrayed a different detective, Parisian Jules Maigret, in two series of an ITV adaptation of Georges Simenon’s classic novels. Furthermore, he depicted Oscar Wilde in 1985 in a three-part BBC Two series that focused on the writer’s criminal trial and imprisonment.
One of his most unforgettable moments in cinema was his role as the gluttonous and morally unredeemable “thief” in the 1989 film The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover.
Dame Helen Mirren, who played his adulterous wife in the film, described him as a “mischievous but incredibly humorous” friend.
During an interview for this weekend’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Dame Helen shared memories of how Sir Michael brought constant laughter to the set during filming and their earlier stage performance in Antony and Cleopatra seven years before.
She also mentioned that in their recent conversations, they had discussed the challenges of growing older and how it impacted their work. Dame Helen noted that Sir Michael was very pragmatic about his situation, acknowledging that he was finding it increasingly challenging to remember lines, which eventually led him to step back from theater work.
In the following decade, Sir Michael Caine took on notable film roles alongside some of Hollywood’s most prominent actors, appearing in successful movies like Toys, Sleepy Hollow, and Gosford Park. He also made a humorous cameo as the prime minister in Ali G Indahouse.
‘Magnificent Trickster’ – Sir Michael Gambon
However, in 2002, when fellow acting legend Richard Harris passed away, Sir Michael Caine took on the role of Dumbledore, the headmaster of the wizarding school Hogwarts, in the immensely popular Harry Potter film series. JK Rowling, the author of the books, expressed her surprise and gratitude for his involvement, as she had seen him perform in King Lear in 1982 and couldn’t have imagined he would one day appear in a project based on her own work.
“Michael was not only an incredible actor but also a wonderful person, and I cherished the opportunity to work with him, both on the Harry Potter films and The Casual Vacancy.”
“Michael Gambon was one of the most talented actors I’ve ever had the privilege of working with. What I’ll remember most about him, despite his immense talent, is how much joy he found in his work.”
Sir Michael had a knack for mixing reality with fiction when talking to reporters. He was goofy, lacked reverence, and was incredibly funny. He adored his work but wasn’t consumed by it.”
Emma Watson, who portrayed Hermione Grainger, expressed on Instagram: “You never approached it too seriously, yet you could deliver the weightiest moments with incredible seriousness.”
Rupert Grint described him as his “personal role model” and appreciated the warmth and playfulness Sir Michael brought to each day on set.
Jason Isaacs, who portrayed Lucius Malfoy, mentioned on social media: “I learned about acting from Michael in The Singing Detective – it was intricate, exposed, and completely human. The most exciting part of being in the Potter films was that he knew my name and shared his fearless, cheeky sense of fun with me.”
Fiona Shaw, known for her role as Petunia Dursley in the films, shared on BBC Radio 4’s The World at One: “He had a remarkably diverse career and never judged the roles he took on; he simply performed them.”
She fondly described him as a “trickster,” a brilliant and magnificent one, especially when it came to performing with text. She emphasized his incredible versatility, noting that he could tackle any role with excellence.
James Phelps, best known for his role as Fred Weasley in the films, paid tribute to Sir Michael on X (formerly Twitter), referring to him as a “legend.” He also shared a memory of Sir Michael’s generosity when he offered to help with lines during a weekend when James had a part in Peter and the Wolf with the Manchester Halle Orchestra.
Dame Joan Collins, who co-starred with Sir Michael in the BBC sitcom Mama’s Back in 1993, described him as a “great actor and great fun.” She shared her appreciation for his talent and sense of humor.
Dame Eileen Atkins, a close friend of Sir Michael, spoke fondly of him on BBC Radio 4’s The World at One. She mentioned how he was a great actor, although he often downplayed his seriousness about acting. She highlighted his remarkable stage presence and the immediate command he had over an audience when he walked on stage. Despite his imposing presence, she found something incredibly sweet about him and cherished her memories of him.
The Great Gambon
In addition to his role in the Harry Potter movies, Sir Michael Gambon had a busy film career in his later years. He appeared in movies like the big-screen adaptation of Dad’s Army and The King’s Speech, where he portrayed King George V, who was the father of King George VI, known for his stammering speech.
Sir Michael Gambon received recognition for his acting in various mediums. He was nominated for Emmy Awards for his portrayal of Mr. Woodhouse in an adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma in 2010 and for his role as President Lyndon B. Johnson in Path to War in 2002. Additionally, he earned a Tony Award nomination in 1997 for his performance in the David Hare play Skylight.
Sir Michael Gambon received a knighthood in 1998 for his contributions to the entertainment industry. Although he was born in Ireland, he became a British citizen during his childhood. Nicknamed “The Great Gambon” in the world of acting, he made his final stage appearance in 2012 in a London production of Samuel Beckett’s play All That Fall.
American actor Ryan Phillippe expressed his gratitude for having the opportunity to work with Sir Michael Gambon on the film Gosford Park. He mentioned that despite their age difference, with Sir Michael in his 60s and himself at 25, they formed a close bond due to Sir Michael’s youthful and energetic spirit. Phillippe fondly remembered car rides home from work in Sir Michael’s vintage convertible, listening to the Rolling Stones at full volume on the radio. He concluded by offering his condolences, saying, “Rest in peace, mate.”
The Prime Minister of Ireland, Leo Varadkar, praised Sir Michael Gambon as a fantastic actor who gave his best in every role, whether it was in plays by Beckett, Dennis Potter, or Harry Potter.
Warner Bro. interested in making more Harry Potter Movies with J.K. Rowling
