00:00 The stars of Harry Potter are paying tribute to the late Michael Gambon, who starred as
00:04 Dumbledore in the mega-successful franchise.
00:07 Gambon sadly died at the age of 82 on Thursday.
00:11 According to a statement from the Irish actor's family provided to The Hollywood Reporter,
00:15 Gambon died peacefully in the hospital surrounded by his family after a bout of pneumonia.
00:20 The British stage veteran became beloved by U.S. audiences after taking over the role
00:25 of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore for six films, starting with 2004's Harry Potter
00:30 and the Prisoner of Azkaban, following the passing of original Dumbledore actor Richard
00:34 Harris.
00:35 Daniel Radcliffe, who starred as the book-to-screen franchise's title character Harry Potter,
00:40 celebrated Gambon's spirited personality and dedication to his craft.
00:44 With the loss of Michael Gambon, the world just became considerably less fun.
00:48 Michael Gambon was one of the most brilliant, effortless actors I've ever had the privilege
00:52 of working with, but despite his immense talent, the thing I will remember most about him is
00:57 how much fun he had doing his job," adding, "He was silly, irreverent and hilarious."
01:02 Co-star Rupert Grint, who played the memorable red-headed best friend to Potter Ron Weasley,
01:07 called Gambon a role model in an Instagram tribute.
01:09 "So sad to hear about Michael.
01:11 He brought so much warmth and mischief to every day on set," adding, "Sending all my
01:16 love to his family."
01:17 Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling also took to X, saying, "The first time I ever laid
01:22 eyes on him was in King Lear in 1982.
01:25 And if you'd told me then that the brilliant actor would appear in anything I'd written,
01:29 I'd have thought you were insane.
01:31 Michael was a wonderful man in addition to being an outstanding actor and I absolutely
01:35 loved working with him."
01:36 Meanwhile, actor Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy, wrote, "The greatest thrill
01:41 of being in the Potter films was that he knew my name and shared his fearless, filthy sense
01:45 of fun with me."
01:46 To read more tributes from the cast, head to THR.com.
01:50 And for the latest entertainment news and updates, keep watching The Hollywood Reporter
01:54 News.
01:55 The Hollywood Reporter News.
01:57 (upbeat music)
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