Harry Potter fans are raising their wands in the sky following the death of Michael Gambon
Harry Potter fans are understandably devastated after one of the film franchise's biggest stars died.
Michael Gambon played Professor Albus Dumbledore across six of the eight films (with Richard Harris portraying the legendary Hogwarts headmaster in the first two movies).
A statement on behalf of his wife Lady Gambon and son Fergus Gambon, issued by publicist Clair Dobbs, said: “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon.
“Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia.
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"Michael was 82. We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love.”
It's a devastating blow to the Harry Potter fan community and they are rallying together in the wake of the sad news.
RIP Sir Michael Gambon
— Biotic Warlock 💛🤍💜🖤 (@Biotic_Warlock) September 28, 2023
Extraordinary actor who will be missed by many
(Wand is my mum's) pic.twitter.com/CoaiQkq18e
A moment of silence, wands up everyone 🫶🏼🖤
— Cristina (@MUGGLEBRORRNN10) September 28, 2023
Pulled out the elder wand from its box to pay my respects 🥹🤞🏽 rest in peace Sir Michael Gambon BEST headmaster HOGWARTS HAD 😫🖤#wandsup #MichaelGambon #wizardingworldofharrypotter #deathlyhallows #HarryPotter pic.twitter.com/kFwUsr1ZJ6
Some have even whipped out their favourite wands and pointed them into the sky in tribute to the late actor.
Many others took to social media to say they will be doing a similar tribute tonight.
This actually happened in the film franchise when Dumbledore died in The Half Blood Prince.
After falling to his death at the hands of Severus Snape, Harry Potter walks over to the headmaster's lifeless body while the rest of Hogwarts students and teachers gather around.
Professor McGonagall leads the tributes by putting her wand in the sky and the tip emits a small light.
Everyone around her does the same thing and they pause to remember an icon of magic.
Born in Dublin in 1940, Gambon came up through the Royal National Theatre with fellow acting legend Laurence Olivier and went on to win many awards including three Olivier Awards, four BAFTAs, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Raise your wand 🪄
— 𝑆𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑣 🔰 (@Sourav_Mufc) September 28, 2023
Actor Sir Michael Gambon who played Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series has died peacefully in hospital aged 82. RIP Professor Dumbledore, you will never be forgotten 🥺🥀🕊️ pic.twitter.com/hwIVROrty1
The passing of Michael Gambon who gave life to Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore on screen feels like a chapter from my childhood is ending (though I was a young adult by the time the movies released).
— Moonchild⁷💙 3D by Jungkook 💜 (@AugustMoon28_) September 28, 2023
Thank you Sir Michael. Go in peace. I am holding my wand up for you.
💔 pic.twitter.com/xLFNcZxOH5
In 1999, he received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II as recognition of his services to acting over the decades.
While he starred in loads of Hollywood films, Gambon also enjoyed working with Shakespeare, appearing in many productions of his plays, including Othello, Macbeth, Hamlet, and Coriolanus.
His first foray into film was in a 1965 adaptation of Othello, and that role catapulted him into a career that would defy categorisation and see him star in dozens of other productions.
As well as achieving critical acclaim for many of his performances, he also found mainstream appeal working with directors such as Wes Anderson – with whom he made The Life Aquatic with Steve Zizzou and Fantastic Mr. Fox – and in the Harry Potter franchise.
Topics: Harry Potter, TV and Film, Social Media
Stewart Perrie