“You never took it too seriously”: Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe and Other Harry Potter Actors React to Michael Gambon’s Death

Michael Gambon, an Irish-born actor who is best known for his role as Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series, passed away at the age of 82 on Thursday. He brought a unique and captivating portrayal of the iconic character, earning the admiration and respect of his fellow Harry Potter actors. Shortly after his death, his co-actors of Harry Potter lent their tribute and memories in remembrance of their beloved Professor Dumbledore.

Daniel Redcliffe called Michael Gambon a silly, irreverent, and hilarious person.

The Harry Potter lead actors, including Daniel Radcliffe, have taken to social media to mourn the loss of Michael Gambon, who played Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight movies of the franchise. The actors expressed their sadness and fondness for Gambon and discussed how he had impacted their lives.

“With the loss of Michael Gambon, the world just became considerably less fun. Michael Gambon was one of the most brilliant, effortless actors I’ve ever had the privilege of working with. But despite his immense talent, the thing I will remember most about him is how much fun he had doing his job. He was silly, irreverent, and hilarious”. 

“He loved his job but never seemed defined by it. He was an incredible storyteller and joke-teller, and his habit of blurring the lines of fact and fiction when talking to journalists meant that he was also one of the most entertaining people with whom you could ever wish to do a press junket”.

Radcliffe also shared that it was in the sixth film that he got to spend more time working with Gambon, it was a fun experience they had.

“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,” Radcliffe concluded.

Harry Potter actors recall Michael Gambon’s warmth and playfulness on the set

“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”

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Similarly, the third member, Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley, took to Instagram and wrote how Gambon’s presence impacted his life, mentioning him as his “personal role model”. 

“So sad to hear about Michael. He brought so much warmth and mischief to every day on set. He captivated me as a kid and became a personal role model of mine for finding the fun and eccentricities in life. Sending all my love to his family.”

“We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Michael Gambon,” the official Harry Potter social media account wrote. “He brought immeasurable joy to Harry Potter fans from all over the world with his humor, kindness, and grace.” They also mentioned they would remember him fondly and keep his memory in their hearts.

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J. K. Rowling was overwhelmed by Michael Gambon being in Harry Potter 

The Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling also sent her condolences to Gambon through X. She began sharing her memory of Gambon when she mentioned his acting brilliance was seen in the 1982 movie King Lear and wondered if he would someday appear in her works.

“I’ve just heard the awful news about Michael Gambon. The first time I ever laid eyes on him was in King Lear, in 1982, and if you’d told me then that brilliant actor would appear in anything I’d written, I’d have thought you were insane. Michael was a wonderful man in additional”

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 28, 2023

She describes Gambon as a “wonderful man and an outstanding actor” and highlighted that Gambon has a positive and likable personality. She expressed her love and appreciation for working with him not only on Harry Potter but also on The Casual Vacancy series. Lastly, Rowling extended her deepest condolences to Michael Gambon’s family and all those who loved him.

Jason Isaacs honors Michael Gambon as an acting mentor

 Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy in the movie, tweeted:

“Magnificent Michael Gambon has died. I learned what acting could be from Michael in The Singing Detective – complex, vulnerable, and utterly human. The greatest thrill of being in the Potter films was that he knew my name and shared his fearless, filthy sense of fun with me”.

— Jason Isaacs (@jasonsfolly) September 28, 2023

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Other actors who have shared messages on social media include James Phelps, who portrayed Fred Weasley, along with Fiona Shaw, who played Petunia Dursley in the franchise.

Richard Harris played the role of Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films, and it was passed to Michael Gambon in the subsequent movies, starting with The Prisoner of Azkaban. Michael Gambon’s death was announced on September 28. Gambon died peacefully in the hospital beside his wife Anne Miller and son Fergus Gambon.

Source: X, Variety and Instagram