Summary
- Daniel Radcliffe pays tribute to Michael Gambon, calling him one of the most brilliant and effortless actors he's worked with.
- Despite his immense talent, Radcliffe re Gambon for his silliness, irreverence, and sense of humor on set.
- Radcliffe expresses his sadness at Gambon's ing but also gratitude for the opportunity to work with him.
Gambon ed away this week at the age of 82. Gambon was known for playing Dumbledore in the majority of the popular series, starting with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in 2004.
Radcliffe pays tribute to Gambon in a heartfelt statement to Entertainment Weekly. In his statement, Radcliffe referred to Gambon as “one of the most brilliant, effortless actors [he’s] ever had the privilege of working with.” In addition to his talents, Radcliffe noted that Gambon always maintained a distinct sense of fun and “joyous” energy on set. Check out the full quote from Radcliffe below:
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 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.
The sixth film was where I got to spend the most time working with Michael. He made the hours spent in front of a green screen together more memorable and joyous than they had any right to be. I'm so sad to hear he has ed, but I am so grateful for the fact that I am one of the lucky people who got to work with him.
Michael Gambon’s Legacy on the Harry Potter Series
Gambon stepped up to the plate to play sage wizard Albus Dumbledore at a tough time for the Harry Potter series. British actor Richard Harris, who portrayed the role in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, died before the third movie. This left the still-new Harry Potter film series in the position of having to recast the role for the next installment of the series.
The Harry Potter series cast Gambon to fill Harris’ absence. Gambon, who was several years younger than Harris at the start of filming, had already been acting for several decades by the time he played Albus Dumbledore. Gambon’s notable credits included The Cook, The Thief, The Wife, and His Lover, and Gosford Park.
Though viewers of the first two films were wary of the Dumbledore replacement, Gambon soon became beloved in the role. Playing one of the books’ most critical mentor figures, Gambon brought the Harry Potter series a sense of benevolence balanced with spunk in his portrayal of the role. From the sounds of Radcliffe’s heartfelt note, it sounds like Gambon’s kind eyes extended much deeper than acting for Harry Potter, and will be greatly missed.
Source: EW
