Michael Gambon
Michael Gambon
Harry Potter (Dumbledore), Viceroy's House
Irish actor Michael Gambon is best known for his role as Albus Dumbledore in five of the seven J.K. Rowling HARRY POTTER films. Prior to his role as Dumbledore, Gambon was known as one of the leading thespians of his generation.
He joined several theatre companies in his youth and performed on stage for many years before moving on to film and television. He became a household name in 1986 for his role as the lead character in the American public television mini-series THE SINGING DETECTIVE. His fame reignited when he was cast as Albus Dumbledore in the third installment of J.K. Rowling's HARRY POTTER film series, following the death of Richard Harris who had played Dumbledore in the first two installments.
From the ages of 18 to 21, Gambon attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where he studied classical acting; he eventually received a bachelor's degree in the subject. At 24, he made his professional stage debut, performing in the Gate Theatre Dublin's 1962 production of "Othello". After a year of touring with Gate, he caught the attention of Laurence Olivier, who hired him to join the newly formed National Theatre Company. Gambon remained with the company for four years before leaving to join the Birmingham Repertory Company in 1967. With Birmingham, he finally got a chance to perform the title roles in his favorite Shakespeare productions.
Gambon made his film debut in 1965, in Olivier's OTHELLO, and went on to play a lead role in the 1970s BBC TV series THE BORDERERS.
Following his success in the '80s, Gambon continued to perform on stage and in feature films, including the controversial THE COOK, THE THIEF, HIS WIFE, AND HER LOVER, which also starred Helen Mirren. Prince Charles knighted Gambon in July 1998.
In 2016, he'll be seen in Gurinder Chadha's VICEROY'S HOUSE alongside Hugh Bonneville and Gillian Anderson.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts awarded Gambon with four BAFTAs. Additionally, the BBC listed Gambon among its Top 10 list of British character actors in July 2012.
Michael Gambon at the Internet Movie Database