00:00The stars of Harry Potter are paying tribute to the late Michael Gambon,
00:03who starred as Dumbledore in the mega-successful franchise.
00:07Gambon sadly died at the age of 82 on Thursday.
00:11According to a statement from the Irish actor's family provided to The Hollywood Reporter,
00:16Gambon died peacefully in the hospital surrounded by his family after a bout of pneumonia.
00:20The British stage veteran became beloved by U.S. audiences
00:23after taking over the role of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore for six films,
00:28starting with 2004's Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,
00:32following the passing of original Dumbledore actor Richard Harris.
00:36Daniel Radcliffe, who starred as the book-to-screen franchise's title character Harry Potter,
00:40celebrated Gambon's spirited personality and dedication to his craft.
00:44With the loss of Michael Gambon, the world just became considerably less fun.
00:49Michael Gambon was one of the most brilliant, effortless actors I've ever had the privilege of working with,
00:53but despite his immense talent, the thing I will remember most about him
00:57is how much fun he had doing his job, adding he was silly, irreverent, and hilarious.
01:02Co-star Rupert Grint, who played the memorable red-headed best friend to Potter, Ron Weasley,
01:07called Gambon a role model in an Instagram tribute.
01:10So sad to hear about Michael.
01:12He brought so much warmth and mischief to every day on set,
01:15adding sending all my love to his family.
01:17Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling also took to X, saying,
01:21The first time I ever laid eyes on him was in King Lear in 1982.
01:25And if you'd told me then that the brilliant actor would appear in anything I'd written,
01:29I'd have thought you were insane.
01:31Michael was a wonderful man in addition to being an outstanding actor,
01:34and I absolutely loved working with him.
01:37Meanwhile, actor Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy, wrote,
01:40The greatest thrill of being in the Potter films was that he knew my name
01:43and shared his fearless, filthy sense of fun with me.
01:46To read more tributes from the cast, head to THR.com.
01:50And for the latest entertainment news and updates,
01:53keep watching The Hollywood Reporter News.
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