Harry Potter star Michael Gambon remembered as 'mesmerising' actor as he dies at 82

Sir Michael Gambon has been remembered as one of the greats after his death at the age of 82.

The actor – who was best known for The Singing Detective and for playing Professor Albus Dumbledore in several Harry Potter films – passed away after suffering from pneumonia, with his family by his side.

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe led the tributes to the actor, saying in a tribute to Entertainment Weekly: "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 remember 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 actor continued: "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 passed, but I am so grateful for the fact that I am one of the lucky people who got to work with him."

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On Instagram, Ron Weasley actor Rupert Grint paid tribute to his late co-star, writing: "So sad to hear about Michael. He brought so much warmth and mischief to every day on set.

"He captivated me as a kid and became a personal role model of mine for finding the fun and eccentricities in life. Sending all my love to his family, Rupert"

Former Top Gear and The Grand Tour host Jeremy Clarkson was among the first to pay tribute following the sad news.

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"I’m so sad to hear that Michael Gambon has died," he posted on X, formerly Twitter.

"He was hugely amusing, and such a tremendous guest, we even named a corner after him."

Actor Peter Egan posted: "Deeply sad to see this.

"One of the funniest men on the planet and a great actor."

"I'll miss him," he added.

Piers Morgan's son Spencer shared a clip from Harry Potter and a quote from Dumbledore.

The moving quote read: "Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."

David Baddiel tweeted: "First time I ever went to see any Theatre with a capital T it was Michael Gambon in Brecht’s Life Of Galileo at The National in 1980.

"It’s still the best stage acting I’ve ever seen."

"RIP," he added.

Actor Richard E Grant shared a snap of the late star, and wrote: "Sir Michael Gambon - THE GREAT GAMBON."

Swimming star Sharron Davies shared a photo of the actor and one of him in Harry Potter, tweeting: "Rest in peace Professor."

Fans also shared their sadness, with one posting: "Oh no, not Michael Gambon.

"A mesmerising actor, truly electrifying on stage."

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Another said they were "absolutely devastated".

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