Film and theater actor Michael Gambon, best known for his role as Professor Albus Dumbledore in the "Harry Potter" films, passed away today (Thursday) at the age of 82.
Gambon, who was born in Ireland and at the age of 5 moved with his family to London, joined the British National Theater and very quickly began playing leading roles as well. His debut in the cinema was in the movie "Othello" when he was only 25 years old. He received recognition as an actor after playing in the TV series "The Singing Detective", and won the British Television Academy award following this role.
In 2004, he began playing the character of Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the "Harry Potter" film series, after his predecessor in the role, Richard Harris, died in 2002.
In addition to his well-known roles, Gambon also played in the films "The King's Speech" where he played King George V, and "The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover" alongside Helen Mirren. Among the series in which he played, you also can find him in a guest appearance in the series Doctor Who.
In 1992 Gambon received the title of "Commander" in the Order of the British Empire (CBE), and in 1998 he received a knighthood. A turn in the competition track of the TV show "Top Gear" is named after Gambon, after he slipped off the track in this turn as part of the show.
