Sir Michael Gambon dies aged 82
28-Sep-2023 • Actor News
Irish-English actor Sir Michael John Gambon CBE has died at the age of 82. Famous with modern audiences for playing Dumbledore in six 'Harry Potter' films, his illustrious career on screen and on stage spanned six decades. He was one of the original members of the Royal National Theatre and he received three Olivier Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and four BAFTA Awards. In 1998, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to drama. He passed away
Back in 1968, Gambon was one of the many actors called in by James Bond producers Cubby Broccoli and Harry Saltzman to be considered as a possible replacement for Sean Connery, who had publicly retired from the role during the filming of 'You Only Live Twice'.
Talking about the encounter in recent years, Gambon recalled: “I said I didn’t want the part because I’m not like him [Bond]."
"I haven’t got nice hair and I’m a bit fat and [Harry Saltzman] said, ‘well, the present James Bond doesn’t have any hair... it’s a wig'. "Nice man.”
After a long and exhaustive process, the role would go to Australian George Lazenby.
Gambon died on September 27th, 2023 in hospital in Witham, Essex, England, aged 82 after suffering from pneumonia. He is survived by his partner Philippa Hart, their two children, and his eldest son Fergus from his earlier marriage to Anne Miller.
