Throughout the history and the highest echelons of show business, there have been many great actors who’ve astounded and delighted audiences over the years. As talented as all of them are, there aren’t that many who could also boast having made such an impact with grace, kindness, and humility all the way through. For many fans, beyond his outrageously impressive talent, it was these other traits that madeMichael Gambonsuch an icon of the stage and screen.
It wasn’t just that he had an acting career that spanned six decades, or that he was nominated and won numerous prestigious acting awards, was a Shakespearean actor of the highest repute, or had a screen presence that dwarfed most around him. For those who admired, respected, and loved the work of the great Sir Michael Gambon, it was his off-screen persona that enamored the world most. Charming, dignified, articulate, humble, and disarmingly funny with his amazing wit, kind smile, and gentle voice, the superlatives that best describe him are endless.
Though not shocking given his advanced age, the world was greatly saddened when the news ofhis peaceful passingfirst filtered through. Throughout his exemplary career, there are a great many fans and colleagues who could lay claim to him. However, for millions around the world, it was his iconic role as Albus Dumbledore that captivated us most. The world ofHarry Potterhas grown into a global franchise that means so much more to its millions of fans than just being books and movies.
For many, Albus Dumbledore represented the best of humanity. Uncommonly kind, brilliant, funny, and always a step ahead, Michael Gambon may not have been the only actor who portrayed him, but to most, was the one who best captured what he represented. As fans still mourn the actor’s death, we choose to celebrate what will likely be the most enduring legacy of his outstanding career. Here’s why we think Michael Gambon was the best Albus Dumbledore across theHarry Potterfranchise.
10He Nailed the Look
From the very first paperback versions ofHarry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, fans have always had a vivid picture of what Albus Dumbledore should look like. That was because later editions of the book featured a drawing of Dumbledore on the back cover. Aside from this, J.K Rowling’s descriptions of him in the books were always evocatively clear, so it wasn’t difficult for even the youngest of readers to imagine what a real-life Albus Dumbledore should look like. Michael Gambon was not the first actor to take on the iconic role, andwon’t be the last.
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That privilege went to Richard Harris, another legendary actor who was also wonderfully portrayed Dumbledore. Sadly, Gambon only got the role because Harris himself passed away afterChamber of Secrets.Although Harris was great in the role himself, when Michael Gambon took over the role fromPrisoner of Azkabanonwards, it was clear that he brought a new vibrancy to the role.
Given Harris' ailing health, though understandable and tragic, there was a noticeable frailty in his movements and look. Though Harris made for a more wizened-looking Dumbledore, Michael Gambon’s imbued him with a freshness and was more akin to the books that described him as old, but never a man who ever exuded frailty despite his age.
9His Stature
Michael Gambon certainly nailed every physical aspect of Albus Dumbledore. He was tall and had a gait thatmatched the character descriptionwell. Looking resplendent with the famous long hair and beard, twinkling eyes, and a kind, gentle voice, Gambon sometimes looked like his Albus Dumbledore had sprung out of the pages of the books and straight onto the screen.
However, aside from his physical appearance as the character, Gambon also brought an innate sense of reverence to it. In some ways, his reputation as an actor mirrored the greatness of the esteem that Albus Dumbledore held in the wizarding world. Just like his character, Michael Gambon came with stature, an intangible attribute that perfectly fit the role he was playing.
8His Articulation
Sadly for Richard Harris, as great and respected an actor as he was, by the time he twice played Albus Dumbledore, his advanced age and deteriorating health were sometimes apparent in more ways than one. Even when he spoke, there were times when Harris looked and sounded tired. No one could blame him for that. Given the long hours he likely had to spend on set and the physical demands of being in front of the camera for take after take, it’s only natural that it must have been taxing on him.
Tragically, Harris was also battling a debilitating form of cancer known as Hodgkin lymphoma so the fact that he managed to still play the role so well despite his health was an amazing feat.
Fortunately for Michael Gambon, throughout his tenure in the films, he was a little younger than Harris was, but more importantly for him, was in better health. For Gambon, even when he spoke, his natural articulation was crisp, clear, and came across as more like the fiery Dumbledore who never minced a word in the books.
7His Moves
Albus Dumbledore was known as a wizened man who was at an advanced age in the books. He could be kind, funny, and gentle. However, when necessary, he could also switch to a commanding presence who instantly oozed authority and garnered respect.
The freshness and effervescence that Michael Gambon brought to the role was evident in many ways. One of the best parts was the energy that he exuded. Despite the actor himself being at an advanced age, he wastrue to the Dumbledore of the bookssince he had style, grace, and moved as lithely as a younger man. Scenes like the epic duel he had with Voldemort, how he escaped his office when Dolores Umbridge tried to have him arrested, or just the way he moved often felt like the character had truly come to life.
6He Was a Knight
Many British actors can boast acclaim, being loved by millions of fans, and being worldwide celebrities. However, there are some prestigious titles that only a few of them can lay claim to. Receiving a knighthood is one of the highest honors a British citizen can achieve. Gambon received his for services to drama, underscoring whata revered actorhe was. Again, knowing his achievements and the esteem he held, one can’t help but be reminded of how like Albus Dumbledore he was. Fans ofHarry Potterwill fondly remember how Albus Dumbledore’s fame and reputation often preceded him too
His talents made him a celebrity in the wizard world, and his long list of achievements was equally well-known. Sir Michael Gambon may not be as much as a mouthful as Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, just as his titles may not have been as fancy as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, Supreme Mugwump of The International Confederation of Wizards, and he might not have been awarded an Order of Merlin: First Class. However, he was a knight, and to the Muggle world at least, that still means a lot.
5His Acclaim
Speaking of accolades, as an actor, Michael Gambon certainly earned his stellar reputation. In that regard, his acclaim was formidable which should come as no surprise since knighthoods for services to drama aren’t just handed out to any old actor.
His acting credits go as far back as 1965 when he appeared inOthello.From there, he went on to make hundreds of appearances across film, TV, and was a prolific stage actor too. Across his career, he was nominated for thirteen Olivier Awards, winning three, in addition to four BAFTA wins, two SAG Award wins, and nominations for Golden Globes and Emmy Awards. All of these achievements bring to bear just what an iconic and richly talented star he was, and why he brought immense credibility to a role that demanded it.
4His Stage Presence
People often hear about ‘screen presence’ when describing notable actors. While this means having an immense and commanding presence, when it comes to screen acting, performers usually also have the benefit of multiple takes. However, on the other hand, having ‘stage presence’ requires more discipline and poise.
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For this reason, and others, stageactors are very respectedas their performances have to be virtually perfect each time. While Michael Gambon was an amazing screen actor too, he was also well-known for his stage acting. Having been in dozens of highly acclaimed plays and stage productions, Gambon has won basically every prestigious theater award out there. His stage presence was amazing, and it was no wonder he was magnetic as Albus Dumbledore since he was so adept at commanding any scene he was in.
3His Likability
Albus Dumbledore is one of the most beloved characters of theHarry Potterfranchise. He was wise, powerful, and kind, but also had an enamoring personality. He could be serious and command respect when he needed to. However, he was also known forhis charming quirksand witty remarks.
A lot of why people loved the character so much was because all of his best traits combined made him likable. If you’ve ever seen interviews and public appearances of Michael Gambon, it’s sometimes striking just how much his off-screen persona was like Dumbledore’s. Like the character, Gambon often came across as witty, kind, funny, personable, and instantly likable too.
A great example of these traits all on display was when he twice appeared as a guest on UK’sTop Gear. His first appearance was legendary. An avid car fan, Gambon took his famous lap in the “star in a reasonably priced car” segment of the show so seriously, he almost crashed on the final corner as he rounded it so fast that he almost flipped the car and eventually took the bend on two wheels. In his honor, that bend was then renamed “Gambon Corner” after him. Here’s a clip of his second appearance on the show, one where all his charm, humor, and likability were on full display.
2His Humor
Speaking of his humor, this was easily one of Michael Gambon’s most likable traits. It was also one he shared in common with Albus Dumbledore. Despite how respected and brilliant he was, Dumbledore was often likable because of how childish and funny he could be at times when he never took himself seriously.
Michael Gambon is very similar. Being a knight and one of the most celebrated actors in history, it wouldn’t have been surprising if Gambon was an intense or very serious person. Yet, as is evident from his interviews onTop Gear, he was very funny and charming in person. His sometimes childish humor also led to some legendary stories from his time playing Dumbledore.
Known for hispranks on set, in a now iconic moment, Gambon once used a device to make it seem like Daniel Radcliffe had very loudly passed gas during a very serious scene inPrisoner of Azkaban.Making it even more hilarious was that Radcliffe had apparently asked to be placed near a girl he had a crush on at the time for the scene. The moment was hilarious and had the entire cast and crew in stitches.
1His Legacy
When all of Michael Gambon’s best traits and achievements as an actor are summed up, what we’re left with is an indelible legacy. The kind of pedigree, talent, and brilliance he brought to the role has left him and Albus Dumbledore forever intertwined when we think of either. A giant of the acting world, with a legacy that will never be forgotten, his role as Albus Dumbledore means he will also forever be a part oftheHarry Potterlegacytoo.
Many fans weren’t happy with his portrayal and were angered by how he sometimes acted out of character. However, he also brought a unique take to it and a freshness that will never be forgotten. In the last few years alone, the franchise has lost many stalwarts from the movies, chief among them, Richard Harris, Robbie Coltrane, and of course, Alan Rickman. Like them, Michael Gambon will never be forgotten.
As we pay tribute to him and remember his time as Albus Dumbledore, as much as it’s sad to know that he’s now gone, perhaps we shouldremember his wordsas the character to ease it all.
“But you know, happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
