Sir Michael Gambonwhose career in films and television spanned six decades, has died aged 82. To millions of people around the world, he is the beloved Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films, after receiving the role from Richard Harris and his debut in A prisoner of Azkaban.
But Gambon’s long career should not be defined by the Wizarding World. He was often praised for his acting skills on both stage and screen, winning three Olivier Awards for his theater work, two Screen Actors Guild Awards and four BAFTA Awards for his screen acting, not to mention being knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for life. work in the British entertainment industry.
So, if you want to honor Gambon’s memory with some of his best performances, this is where to start.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Let’s get Potter out of the way early. Gambon was a great follower of Richard Harris and gradually made the role his own, injecting an element of danger and mystery beyond the fragile old man type of the first two books. Gambon’s Dumbledore is never better than there the half-blood Princewhich sees the story of the headmaster of Hogwarts come to a rather decisive end.
Maybe it’s just because the story gives Dumbledore more to do than usual, or maybe it’s because Gambon knew this would be his last full performance (he would go on on to a cameo in. The Deathly Hallows Part 1 & 2), but he brings depth, energy, and gravitas to the character like never before.
The Cook, the thief, his wife and lover (1989)
Not everyone will like Peter Greenaway’s weird art film, but Gambon knocks his performance out of the park. Described as daring and terrifying by critics, the film centers on a husband and wife couple played by Gambon and Helen Mirren. Gambon’s character, Albert, is one of the most attractive figures he has ever played and the script allows him to circle the scenes without feeling hammered.
It’s hell and not for the faint of heart, but if you want to see the farthest places Gambon could take the character look no further.
The King’s Speech (2010)
It’s inevitable that any British actor over a certain age will play Royalty on TVor film, but Gambon is clearly delighted to be playing King George V in Best Picture winner Tom Hooper The King’s Speech. Although the relationship between Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush is at the heart of the film, the old King Gambon provides the example on which he must aim.
Even in a solid cast including Helena Bonham-Carter, Guy Pearce, Timothy Spall, and Derek Jacobi Gambon stands out, and goes a long way towards injecting some energy your story could be very static.
Gosford Park (2001)
Robert Altman’s 2001 black comedy can also boast an impressive ensemble cast, with Gambon competing for our attention against such heavyweights as Charles Dance, Helen Miren, Richard E. Grant, Derek Jacobi, Emily Watson, and Maggie Smith. They all play rich people gathering for a shooting weekend, only to commit murder.]
Gambon plays Sir William McCordle, who hosts the party. He’s at the center of many plot strands and, while we don’t want to spoil the story for anyone who hasn’t seen him, his actions have a huge impact on the story.
Paddington (2014)
Gambon doesn’t play a big role in it Paddington. He voices Uncle Pastuzo in the opening sequence of the film so he doesn’t appear once everyone’s favorite bear has traveled to London. Regardless, we want to tip our hat to him here, as he delivers a solid performance.
We’re also a bit disappointed that Gambon’s death may mean he won’t be reprising his upcoming role. Paddington in Peru. Perhaps he could record his performance before his death, but if we are not sure there will be an impressive tribute to the grave-voiced uncle.
The Singing Detective (1986)
This BBC drama series gave Gambon’s career a huge boost. In the popular show Gambon played mystery writer Philip Marlow suffering from severe psoriatic arthritis, with the pain of his treatment forcing him to imagine a fantasy world in which he is a detective. It is a complex and often surreal show, taking a noir template and turning it into recognizable shapes.
The Singing Detective was ranked 20th in the BFI’s list of the 100 Greatest Television Programs and remains a powerfully unconventional piece of work. Naturally, there is the amazing Gambon.
The road to war (2002)
This HBO TV movie examines the Vietnam War from the perspective of the men who ran it. Gambon plays President Lyndon Baines Johnson, who finds himself caught up in the conflict between his popular domestic policies and the bloody siege in Vietnam that neither he nor his country can afford. put out of existence.
Gambon perfectly conveys President Johnson’s direct personality and eccentric ways, with critics praising the “fire and ferocity” he brought to the role. It would go on to receive a Primetime Emmy Nomination for The road to waralthough Winston Churchill lost to Albert Finney in The Gathering Storm.
Doctor Who (2010)
In another reality Gambon would have made a good doctor on his own, but his only appearance was Doctor Who it was memorable for all the right reasons. Gambon played Kazran Sardick in ‘A Christmas Carol’ in 2010, who is very similar to Ebeneezer Scrooge. Over the course of the episode, Matt Smith’s eleventh doctor uses time travel to make Sardick kinder, gradually exploring his doomed romance.
The final moments are almost guaranteed to bring a tear to your eye. Doctor Who has made many Christmas specials, but ‘A Christmas Carol’ is considered the best.
But these excellent performances are only scratching the surface, to say nothing of his brilliant career on stage. I was lucky enough to see Gambon in one of his stage shows in Samuel Beckett’s Krapp’s last tape, and will treasure their memory forever. RIP to a legend.
