Fans of the Harry Potter film series are mourning the passing of actor, Michael Gambon, who played the iconic role of Professor Albus Dumbledore.
The Irish-English actor died on September 28 after "a bout with pneumonia," according to a statement released by his family and his publicist. He was 82.
He brought to life the character of the well-loved Hogwarts headmaster from the third film, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, to the eighth and last film in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. Gambon took over the role when actor Richard Harris passed away in 2002, after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma.
"With the loss of Michael Gambon the world just became considerably less fun." —Daniel Radcliffe
Fellow actors Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson, among others, shared their sentiments about Gambon's passing.
In a statement to Variety, Radcliffe wrote, "With the loss of Michael Gambon the world just became considerably less fun."
The new dad added, "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."
Reminiscing about their time together, the actor said "The sixth film was where I got to spend the most time working with Michael and 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."
Grint meanwhile took to Instagram to share how Gambon inspired him as a kid.
"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."
Watson only had kind words for his fellow actor, "Kind kind kind Michael Gambon. You never took it too seriously but somehow delivered the most serious moments with all the gravitas. Thank you for showing us what it looks like to wear greatness lightly. We will miss you. xx"
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWJ. K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter books, wrote on X, "I've just heard the awful news about Michael Gambon. The first time I ever laid eyes on him was in King Lear, in 1982, and if you'd told me then that brilliant actor would appear in anything I'd written, I'd have thought you were insane."
She added, "Michael was a wonderful man in additional to being an outstanding actor, and I absolutely loved working with him, not only on Potter but also The Casual Vacancy. My deepest condolences go to Michael's family and everyone who loved him."
Dumbledore quotes parents love
Meanwhile, moms in the Smart Parenting community who are proud Potterheads shared their favorite quotes and moments from the film series that influenced them as parents.
CONTINUE READING BELOWwatch now"It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
Mommy Shaina Santiago Moraga said, she loved this quote from Dumbledore when Harry was trying to understand why he ended up in the House of Gryffindor, although he was more likely to fit in the Slytherin House: "It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
"It emphasizes the importance of one's choices and values in shaping their true character," Mommy Shaina said. "This is a good reminder that our decisions define us. Certain situations may present dilemmas, making it difficult to discern right from wrong, or there might be no clear right or wrong. Ultimately, it boils down to how we navigate and manage our decisions to make it right."
For Smart Parenting contributing writer and mom of one Riyalyn Grace Pasimio, this quote also resonates because it serves as a reminder that our conscious choices are more powerful than our nature.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW"Minsan, may good and bad nature tayo. Good and bad motivations and intentions - what makes us different from others is our ability to choose to do the right thing. Although that doesn’t mean that choosing to do the right thing is always easy - but the mere act of ‘choosing’ is already ahead of step one," she explained.
"Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
Mom of one, Genina Domingo, meanwhile, proves she's a certified fan as she loved dressing up her son in a Gryffindor scarf.
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PHOTO BY COURTESY OF GENINA DOMINGOADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW"The Harry Potter films affected the lives of many people, and I was fortunate enough to have seen them, so we remember and honor the life of this very amazing individual. The first time I saw Dumbledore executed, I burst into tears, and I still cry whenever I watch the movies. I want to teach my son the virtues of friendship, integrity, and bravery that are exemplified by the characters in Harry Potter, especially Dumbledore, who showed great wisdom throughout the narrative."
She added, "Once Asher gets older, I'll make sure to watch the movies with him."
Mommy Genina particularly loved this quote, which parents can live by, "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
"Youth can not know how age thinks and feels, but old men are guilty if they forget what it is to be young."
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWSmart Parenting editor-in-chief and mom of three Ronna Capili Bonifacio was also greatly affected with the news, as a "Potterhead raising Potterheads."
Among Dumbledore's quotes, this one is her favorite: "A quote that reads differently when you are a parent: "Youth can not know how age thinks and feels, but old men are guilty if they forget what it is to be young."
We recommend that you watch a Harry Potter movie with your kids tonight.
May you rest in power, Sir Michael Gambon.
A quote that reads differently when you are a parent: "Youth can not know how age thinks and feels, but old men are guilty if they forget what it is to be young."
