Michael Gambon (1940 - 2023)

The Irish Film & Television Academy is deeply saddened by the passing of renowned Irish actor Michael Gambon, who was the 2017 IFTA Lifetime Achievement Award honouree.

Michael Gambon was a unique and beloved talent who entertained and won the hearts and minds of audiences far and wide, working alongside actors such as Meryl Streep, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich, Julia Roberts, Colin Firth, Maggie Smith, Michael Caine, Gwyneth Paltrow, Daniel Radcliffe, Ralph Fiennes, Ciaran Hinds and Colm Meaney.

He worked with great directors across so many genres – including Robert Altman, Tim Burton, Dustin Hoffman, Wes Anderson, Tom Hooper, Joel & Ethan Coen, Stephen Frears and Peter Greenaway, among many others.

Younger audiences worldwide connected with Gambon as their beloved Dumbledore in the Harry Potter franchise, earning over $10 billion worldwide at the box office.

Gambon was one of the leading thespians of his generation, having started out in theatre under the guidance of Laurence Olivier.  He was invited to audition for James Bond in 1970 and went on to hone his craft on stage and screen over the following decade. He received universal critical acclaim in 1986 for his spectacular performance as tormented mystery writer Philip Marlow in Dennis Potter’s BBC Drama The Singing Detective, one of the most famous and provocative dramas of its time, which challenged boundaries with its daring concept and bold characters. 

Gambon’s later roles in the 2000s and 2010s included TV Dramas such as ‘Churchill's Secret’, ‘The Hollow Crown’, ‘The Nightmare World's of HG Wells’, ‘Fortitude’ and his feature film work including 'Viceroy's House', 'Mad to be Normal', and 'Dad's Army'. His final film role was in 2019's 'Cordelia' starring Antonia Campbell Hughes.

Aine Moriarty, IFTA CEO said, “The Irish Academy extends our heartfelt sympathies to Michael Gambon's family and friends following the sad news of his passing,

He was a unique Irish talent who brought passion, skill and charisma to every screen role.  A consummate professional with extraordinary wit and good humour, he consistently delivered superb performances across a diverse range of pivotal roles and characters throughout his career. He remains a true role model for younger generations of actors to follow”.