From L: Rupert Grint, Michael Gambon, J.K. Rowling.Photo:Cindy Ord/Getty, Nick Harvey/WireImage, Cindy Ord/WireImage
Cindy Ord/Getty, Nick Harvey/WireImage, Cindy Ord/WireImage
Daniel Radcliffe,Rupert Grint,Emma WatsonandJ.K. Rowlingare paying their respects toHarry PotterstarMichael Gambon.
Afternews of Gambon’s deathbroke on Thursday, the threeHarry Potterfranchise lead actors and series author Rowling spoke out about the loss of their former colleague.
Sharing afilm still of Gambonas Dumbledore, spreading his arms out in welcome to the Hogwarts students gathered in the Great Hall, Grint, 35, wrote, “So sad to hear about Michael.”
In her owntribute to Gambon, Rowling, 58, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that she had “just heard the awful news” about his death, and shared a story about “the first time I ever laid eyes on him,” in a 1982 production ofKing Lear.
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“If you’d told me then that brilliant actor would appear in anything I’d written, I’d have thought you were insane,” tweeted the author. “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.”
Radcliffe, who worked with Gambon closely across the film series, told PEOPLE in a statement that “the world just became considerably less fun” with the news of Gambon’s death.
“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,” Radcliffe added. “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.”
Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore in theHarry Potterseries.Warner Bros.
Watson shared an image of Gambon inPrisoner of Azkabanto herInstagram Storyon Thursday afternoon, writing in a caption: “Kind kind kind Michael Gambon. You never took it too seriously but somehow delivered the most serious moments with all the gravitas. Thank you for showing us what it looks like to wear greatness lightly. We will miss you. xx”
Gambon took over the part of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore after the death ofRichard Harrisin October 2002 at age 72. (Harris played Dumbledore in the series' first two films.)
Gambon died “peacefully” in the hospital, his representative confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE on Thursday, issued on behalf of his wife Lady Gambon and son Fergus.
“We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon,” the statement shared on Thursday began. “Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia. Michael was 82.”
“We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love,” the statement concluded.
source: people.com
