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Michael Gambon

Birth Place: Dublin, IRELAND

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BIO

Gambon started his acting career with Laurence Olivier as one of the original members of the Royal National Theatre. Over his six-decade-long career, he received three Olivier Awards and four BAFTA TV Awards. In 1998, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to drama.


Gambon appeared in many productions of works by William Shakespeare such as Othello, Hamlet, Macbeth and Coriolanus. Gambon was nominated for thirteen Olivier Awards, winning three times for A Chorus of Disapproval (1985), A View from the Bridge (1987), and Man of the Moment (1990). In 1997, Gambon made his Broadway debut in David Hare's Skylight, earning a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play nomination.
Gambon made his film debut in Othello (1965). His other notable films include The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989), The Wings of the Dove (1997), The Insider (1999), Gosford Park (2001), Amazing Grace (2006), The King's Speech (2010), Quartet (2012), and Victoria & Abdul (2017). He also acted in the Wes Anderson films The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004) and Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009). He gained wider recognition through his role of Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter film series from 2004 to 2011, replacing Richard Harris following his death in 2002.
For his work on television, he received four BAFTA Awards for The Singing Detective (1986), Wives and Daughters (1999), Longitude (2000), and Perfect Strangers (2001). He also received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Path to War (2002) and Emma (2009). Gambon's other notable projects include Cranford (2007) and The Casual Vacancy (2015). In 2017, he received the Irish Film & Television Academy Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2020, he was listed at No. 28 on The Irish Times's list of Ireland's greatest film actors. Gambon passed away on September 27, 2023.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Pinter at the Pinter Pinter at the Pinter
[West End]
London Tenth Anniversary Celebration, 2018
Performer
Skylight
[Broadway]
1996
Tom Sergeant

Movies

Nothing But the Night
[ 1973 ] Inspector Grant
The Beast Must Die
[ 1974 ] Jan
Turtle Diary
[ 1985 ] George Fairbairn turtle keeper
Paris by Night
[ 1988 ] Gerald Paige
Missing Link
[ 1988 ] Narrator
The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover
[ 1989 ] Albert
The Rachel Papers
[ 1989 ] Doctor Knowd
A Dry White Season
[ 1989 ] Magistrate
Mobsters
[ 1991 ] Don Faranzano
Toys
[ 1992 ] Lt. General Leland Zevo
Clean Slate
[ 1994 ] Cornell
The Browning Version
[ 1994 ] Dr. Frobisher
A Man of No Importance
[ 1994 ] Ivor J. Carney
Squanto: A Warrior's Tale
[ 1994 ] Sir George
Two Deaths
[ 1995 ] Daniel Pavenic
The Innocent Sleep
[ 1995 ] Det. Insp. Matheson
Nothing Personal
[ 1995 ] Leonard
Mary Reilly
[ 1996 ] Mary's Father
The Gambler
[ 1997 ] Fyodor Dostoyevsky
The Wings of the Dove
[ 1997 ] Kate's Father
Dancing at Lughnasa
[ 1998 ] Father Jack Mundy
Sleepy Hollow
[ 1999 ] Baltus Van Tsel
Plunkett & Macleane
[ 1999 ] Lord Gibson
A Monkey's Tale
[ 1999 ] Mter Martin
The Last September
[ 1999 ] Sir Richard Naylor
The Insider
[ 1999 ] Thom Sandefur
Christmas Carol: The Movie
[ 2001 ] Ghost of Christm Present
High Heels and Low Lifes
[ 2001 ] Kerrigan
Charlotte Gray
[ 2001 ] Levade
Gosford Park
[ 2001 ] William McCordle
Ali G Indahouse
[ 2002 ] Prime Minister
The Actors
[ 2003 ] Barreller
Open Range
[ 2003 ] Denton Baxter
Sylvia
[ 2003 ] Professor Thom
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
[ 2004 ] Albus Dumbledore
Layer Cake
[ 2004 ] Eddie Temple
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow
[ 2004 ] Editor Paley
Being Julia
[ 2004 ] Jimmie Langton
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
[ 2004 ] Oseary Drakouli
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
[ 2005 ] Albus Dumbledore
The Omen
[ 2006 ] Bugenhagen
The Good Shepherd
[ 2006 ] Dr. Fredericks
Amazing Grace
[ 2006 ] Lord Charles Fox
The Good Night
[ 2007 ] Alan Weigert
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
[ 2007 ] Albus Dumbledore
The Baker
[ 2007 ] Leo
Brideshead Revisited
[ 2008 ] Lord Marchmain
Fantastic Mr. Fox
[ 2009 ] Franklin Bean
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
[ 2009 ] Professor Albus Dumbledore
The Book of Eli
[ 2010 ] George
The King's Speech
[ 2010 ] King George V
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
[ 2010 ] Professor Albus Dumbledore
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
[ 2011 ] Professor Albus Dumbledore
Quartet
[ 2012 ] Cedric Livingstone
Paddington
[ 2014 ] Uncle Ptuzo
Dad's Army
[ 2016 ] Godfrey
Hail, Caesar!
[ 2016 ] Narrator
Kingsman: The Golden Circle
[ 2017 ] Arthur
Viceroy's House
[ 2017 ] Lord LionelPugIsmay
Victoria & Abdul
[ 2017 ] Lord Salisbury
Mad to Be Normal
[ 2017 ] Sydney Kotok
Paddington 2
[ 2017 ] Uncle Ptuzo
Johnny English Strikes Again
[ 2018 ] Agent Five
King of Thieves
[ 2018 ] BillyThe FishLincoln
The Last Witness
[ 2018 ] Frank Hamilton
The Death & Life of John F. Donovan
[ 2018 ] Man in Diner
Judy
[ 2019 ] Bernard Delfont
Cordelia
[ 2019 ] Moses

TV Shows

Fortitude
Henry Tyson
Maigret
Jules Maigret
The Borderers
Gavin Ker
The Other One
Brian Bryant

Awards and Nominations


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 2010 - Lebedev Special Award

Michael Gambon

Olivier Awards - 2009 - Best Actor

Michael GambonNo Man's Land

Olivier Awards - 2005 - Best Actor

Michael GambonEndgame

Olivier Awards - 2003 - Best Actor

Michael GambonA Number

Olivier Awards - 2001 - Best Actor

Michael GambonThe Caretaker

Olivier Awards - 1999 - Best Actor

Michael GambonThe Unexpected Man

Olivier Awards - 1998 - Best Actor

Michael GambonTom & Clem

Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Michael Gambon, Skylight

Drama Desk Awards - 1996 - Outstanding Actor - Play

Michael Gambon, Skylight

Olivier Awards - 1996 - Best Actor

Michael GambonSkylight


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 1995 - Best Actor

Michael GambonVolpone


winner
Olivier Awards - 1990 - Comedy Performance of the Year

Michael GambonMan Of The Moment


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 1987 - Best Actor

Michael GambonA View from the Bridge


winner
Olivier Awards - 1987 - Actor of the Year

Michael GambonA View From The Bridge


winner
Olivier Awards - 1985 - Comedy Performance of the Year

Michael GambonA Chorus Of Disapproval

Olivier Awards - 1983 - Actor of the Year in a New Play

Michael GambonTales From Hollywood

Olivier Awards - 1980 - Actor of the Year in a Revival

Michael GambonThe Life Of Galileo

Olivier Awards - 1979 - Actor of the Year in a New Play

Michael GambonBetrayal

Videos

More Videos

News


Interview: Larry Yando talks playing Dumbledore in HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD Photo
Interview: Larry Yando talks playing Dumbledore in HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD
by R. Scott Reedy - Nov 11, 2025

A self-admitted “crazy person” for J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter novels who “stood in line at a bookstore whenever a new volume was released,” performer Larry Yando knows that portraying Dumbledore – onetime headmaster of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry – in the play “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” is a high-profile piece of work.
SHIRLEY VALENTINE Star Pauline Collins Passes Away at 85 Photo
SHIRLEY VALENTINE Star Pauline Collins Passes Away at 85
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 6, 2025

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that stage and screen actress Pauline Collins, who played the title role in the solo play Shirley Valentine, has passed away.
Review: ENDGAME, Starring Douglas Hodge, Theatre Royal Bath Photo
Review: ENDGAME, Starring Douglas Hodge, Theatre Royal Bath
by Cheryl Markosky - Sep 24, 2025

Douglas Hodge commendably leads a star-studded cast in Lindsay Posner's new adaptation of Endgame at Theatre Royal Bath's intimate Ustinov Studio.
Dylan Moran, Francesca Annis, Patti Smith and More Join Ralph Fiennes / Theatre Royal Photo
Dylan Moran, Francesca Annis, Patti Smith and More Join Ralph Fiennes / Theatre Royal Bath Season
by Stephi Wild - May 19, 2025

Award-winning comedian and actor Dyland Moran, BAFTA winner Francesca Annis, and TV stars Patrick Robinson and Charlie Rowe are amongst the cast announced today as part of the RALPH FIENNES / THEATRE ROYAL BATH SEASON.
Review Roundup: KRAPP'S LAST TAPE Starring Gary Oldman Photo
Review Roundup: KRAPP'S LAST TAPE Starring Gary Oldman
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 28, 2025

See what critics are saying about Krapp's Last Tape at York Theatre Royal starring Gary Oldman. Learn more about the show and read the reviews for the production here!
40th Anniversary Edition of Thomas Dolby's 'The Flat Earth' Coming This Month Photo
40th Anniversary Edition of Thomas Dolby's 'The Flat Earth' Coming This Month
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 17, 2024

In celebration of 40 years of The Flat Earth, BMG is releasing an expanded, 40th Anniversary Edition of the album. As well as the complete tracklisting from the original record, the special release of the anniversary edition includes live tracks, rare mixes and alternate versions of songs from the iconic album, which tell the story of a songwriter and performer reaching new musical heights.
Cast Set For LONGITUDE at Upstairs at the Gatehouse Photo
Cast Set For LONGITUDE at Upstairs at the Gatehouse
by Stephi Wild - May 24, 2024

The cast has been announced for Longitude, a new musical premiering at Upstairs at the Gatehouse this June.
V&A To Host 10th Annual Performance Festival: REMASTERED This April Photo
V&A To Host 10th Annual Performance Festival: REMASTERED This April
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 20, 2024

Get the latest updates on V&A's 10th Annual Performance Festival, REMASTERED. Discover the highlights, performances, and unique aspects of this year's festival.
Cast Set for North American Premiere of AGREEMENT at Irish Arts Center Photo
Cast Set for North American Premiere of AGREEMENT at Irish Arts Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 25, 2024

Irish Arts Center has revealed the cast of the North American premiere of Lyric Theatre, Belfast’s Agreement.
West End Theatres to Dim Lights for Michael Gambon on Friday Evening Photo
West End Theatres to Dim Lights for Michael Gambon on Friday Evening
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 29, 2023

WEST END THEATRES TO DIM LIGHTS IN HONOUR OF MICHAEL GAMBON. The West End will pay tribute to the late Sir Michael Gambon by dimming their lights for 2 minutes at 7pm on Friday, September 29th. Gambon had a remarkable career spanning six decades and was a member of the Royal National Theatre.
Actor Sir Michael Gambon Dies Aged 82 Photo
Actor Sir Michael Gambon Dies Aged 82
by Aliya Al-Hassan - Sep 28, 2023

Sir Michael Gambon, who had an acting career that took him from Laurence Olivier’s nascent National Theatre to screen roles in the Harry Potter films, has died at the age of 82.
Chicago Shakespeare Welcomes New Artistic and Executive Leadership to Drive Innovatio Photo
Chicago Shakespeare Welcomes New Artistic and Executive Leadership to Drive Innovation and Creativity in Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 19, 2023

Chicago Shakespeare is welcoming new artistic and executive leadership, who are set to bring fresh ideas, innovation, and creativity to the theater scene. Prepare to be amazed by the exciting changes happening at Chicago Shakespeare.
HARRY POTTER Stars Who Have Appeared on Broadway Photo
HARRY POTTER Stars Who Have Appeared on Broadway
by Michael Major - Dec 3, 2022

To celebrate Daniel Radcliffe's return to theatre in the Off-Broadway revival of Merrily We Roll Along, we are taking a look back at the stage careers of he and his fellow Harry Potter film cast members. Keep reading to find out times you may have seen Rupert Grint, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Ralph Fiennes, Imelda Staunton, and more onstage!
Review: Caryl Churchill's A NUMBER at Studio Grand Central Photo
Review: Caryl Churchill's A NUMBER at Studio Grand Central
by Drew Eberhard - Nov 13, 2022

A Number written by British Playwright Caryl Churchill first premiered in September of 2002 at the Royal Court Theatre in London, England. The play starred Michael Gambon in the role of Salter, and Daniel Craig in the role of Bernard (Et al.). Under critical reception, Churchill’s play was lauded for its use of “significant intellectual depth while imploring an effective economy of style.” Told in a series of five vignettes, the story is set in the near future, where a relationship/conflict between father and sons comes to a head when conflict about the use of human cloning becomes the topic of conversation. The play expresses the deeply divided differences between nature vs. nurture, and the idea that “if we had a do-over, could we atone for our mistakes?” In an article for the New York Times, Ben Brantley described Churchill’s work as, “stunning” and a “gripping dramatic consideration of what happens to autonomous identity in a world where people can be cloned.”
Review: KING LEAR, Shakespeare's Globe Photo
Review: KING LEAR, Shakespeare's Globe
by Cindy Marcolina - Jun 18, 2022

Many great performers tackle Lear every year. From Laurence Olivier and Michael Gambon to Ian McKellen and Simon Russell Beale, it’s become somewhat of a tradition for dramatic actors to take on one of Shakespeare’s biggest challenges once their hair starts to grey. Less often, a female actor comes onto the scene to huge acclaim. Glenda Jackson did so last in a starred performance on Broadway in 2019, but Kathryn Hunter is taking the wretched crown back after her first stint as the destitute monarch 25 years ago.
Meet the Cast of MACBETH Photo
Meet the Cast of MACBETH
by Stephi Wild - Mar 29, 2022

Macbeth begins performances tonight, March 29, 2022, at the Longacre Theatre (220 West 48th Street) and opens on Thursday, April 28, 2022. Learn more about the cast bringing this show back to the stage!
Casting Announced For Tim Firth's NOW IS GOOD at Storyhouse Photo
Casting Announced For Tim Firth's NOW IS GOOD at Storyhouse
by Stephi Wild - Feb 28, 2022

A funny and poignant new musical by award-winning playwright Tim Firth receives its world premiere at Storyhouse this spring and the full cast has now been revealed. 
Save 46% On Tickets For A NUMBER At The Old Vic Photo
Save 46% On Tickets For A NUMBER At The Old Vic
by Marianka Swain - Feb 11, 2022

It’s 20 years since Caryl Churchill’s spry, elliptical cloning play premiered at the Royal Court with Michael Gambon and Daniel Craig, and it remains a fascinating chamber piece for a talented pair of actors – as we see here with the great Lennie James and Paapa Essiedu in this anniversary revival.
MOULIN ROUGE! Leads January's Top 10 New London Shows Photo
MOULIN ROUGE! Leads January's Top 10 New London Shows
by Marianka Swain - Jan 4, 2022

Though hardly an ideal start to the new theatrical year, we want to applaud all of the incredible casts, creatives, backstage and front-of-house staff who are working so hard to keep shows on. If you can support productions, please do – whether revisiting an amazing long-running show or checking out something new. And speaking of which: here are some of the most intriguing London additions for this month. Keep checking back for our reviews, interviews and features!
These are `Happy Days' Indeed for Trevor Nunn Photo
These are `Happy Days' Indeed for Trevor Nunn
by Matt Wolf - Jun 21, 2021

The 60th anniversary production of Beckett's masterwork Happy Days, newly opened at west London's Riverside Studios, is indistinguishable from the keen eye of its director, Trevor Nunn, who across more than six decades has contributed many of the most significant (not to mention quite a few of the best) productions in my experience. We look back at a seismic career and select five productions for the ages.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Michael Gambon been in?

Michael Gambon has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

How many West End shows has Michael Gambon been in?

Michael Gambon has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.

What was Michael Gambon's first West End show?

Michael Gambon's first West End show was Pinter at the Pinter which opened in 2018

What awards has Michael Gambon been nominated for?

Lebedev Special Award (Evening Standard Awards), Best Actor (Olivier Awards) for No Man's Land, Best Actor (Olivier Awards) for Endgame , Best Actor (Olivier Awards) for A Number , Best Actor (Olivier Awards) for The Caretaker, Best Actor (Olivier Awards) for The Unexpected Man, Best Actor (Olivier Awards) for Tom & Clem, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Skylight, Outstanding Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Skylight, Best Actor (Olivier Awards) for Skylight, Best Actor (Evening Standard Awards) for Volpone, Comedy Performance of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Man Of The Moment, Best Actor (Evening Standard Awards) for A View from the Bridge, Actor of the Year (Olivier Awards) for A View From The Bridge, Comedy Performance of the Year (Olivier Awards) for A Chorus Of Disapproval, Actor of the Year in a New Play (Olivier Awards) for Tales From Hollywood, Actor of the Year in a Revival (Olivier Awards) for The Life Of Galileo and Actor of the Year in a New Play (Olivier Awards) for Betrayal.

What awards has Michael Gambon won?

Michael Gambon has received several prestigious awards throughout his career, including the Lebedev Special Award from the Evening Standard Awards. He won Best Actor at the Evening Standard Awards for his performances in Volpone and A View from the Bridge. At the Olivier Awards, he earned the Comedy Performance of the Year for Man Of The Moment and A Chorus Of Disapproval. Additionally, he was named Actor of the Year at the Olivier Awards for his role in A View From The Bridge.

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