Michael Gambon, who passed away on Thursday (27 September 2023) at the age of 82 from pneumonia, will be remembered as an actor who could perform anything from Shakespeare to comedy. However, the late actor, who won three Olivier Awards, is best known among younger fans for his portrayal of Professor Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter movies.
The Irish-British actor took over the role after Richard Harris died in 2002. Gambon performed admirably as Professor Dumbledore, skillfully assuming the persona of the capable wizard who fought evil to protect his students.
Every fan of Harry Potter has a favorite Dumbledore moment from the movie. So, the following are a few of his most memorable moments, which demonstrated that he was ideally suited for the role.
Also Read: Michael Gambon, Best Known for Playing Dumbledore in Harry Potter, Passes Away at 82
1. Dumbledore’s Speech
When it comes to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Michael Gambon has made an impression several times. His performance in the film’s final speech was particularly powerful. After Cedric Diggory’s death and Voldemort’s reappearance, Dumbledore addressed the Hogwarts students.
The end of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire marked a turning point in the Harry Potter series because, after Harry Potter’s fourth year at Hogwarts, things began to get darker. In his speech, Gambon was able to convey both his sorrow over Diggory’s death and the necessity of embracing friendship and hope in the face of impending doom.
2. Dumbledore Came To Rescue
The Harry Potter films have made it abundantly clear that Dumbledore has a way with words.
He also has a tendency to think ahead of others, which was demonstrated during Harry Potter’s hearing at the start of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Dumbledore showed up to speak in favor of his students just as Harry’s situation appeared hopeless. He saved the day by calling a witness, allowing Harry to go back to Hogwarts and continue his magic lessons.
3. Fawkes Helped Dumbledore Evade Arrest
In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Dumbledore and Harry Potter’s conflict with the Ministry of Magic only intensified; it culminated in a scene in which the Ministry tried to detain the headmaster of Hogwarts. Then we received assurances from Gambon’s character that he would not “come quietly” and that he had “no intention of going to Azkaban”.
He called for Fawkes and they both disappeared in a fiery explosion. Dumbledore’s strength was once again highlighted by Michael Gambon’s portrayal in comparison to other wizards.
4. Voldemort vs. Dumbledore
The final battle between Albus Dumbledore and Voldemort at the Ministry of Magic in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix may be Michael Gambon’s most frightening performance. His entrance showed how terrifying Voldemort can be, as he approached Harry Potter when Dumbledore arrived.
It was a proud moment for the character, even though he can not completely defeat Voldemort. The opportunity to see Michael Gambon’s character in action is also a rare treat for viewers.
Unquestionably, it ranks among the actor’s best Harry Potter series performances.
5. Horace Slughorn was Recruited by Dumbledore
While portraying Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Michael Gambon also got to have some fun with the character at the start of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
Horace Slughorn, a former professor at Hogwarts, was visited by Harry Potter and the headmaster in an effort to persuade him to rejoin the faculty. Although it appeared to be a significant task, Dumbledore approached it lightheartedly. He kept his positive and jovial attitude throughout, letting Harry handle the majority of the work.
Given all the darker moments that Gambon’s character experienced in the later Harry Potter films, it was a fun scene from Dumbledore.
6. Dumbledore Drank the Despair Potion
Before Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Michael Gambon’s Dumbledore made numerous appearances in which he revealed his terrifying side.
The actor, however, displayed a different side of the character in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’s final scene. When Harry Potter and Dumbledore looked for Horcrux (Voldemort’s locket), Gambon displayed his acting prowess. They had to go get it from a cave where it was hidden in a liquid-filled basin. The locket can only be obtained by Harry if Dumbledore drinks the liquid.
When Dumbledore consumed the Potion of Despair, it brought back unpleasant memories of his past life. Gambon captured the sorrow and suffering of Dumbledore as he begged Harry to end his pain in what might be his best performance of the entire series.
7. The Ultimate Sacrifice of Dumbledore
Unfortunately, Dumbledore’s encounter with the Potion of Despair was not the only instance in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in which Michael Gambon’s character was at risk. When he and Harry Potter found that Death Eaters had entered Hogwarts, the latter managed to escape the situation, but Dumbledore had less success.
Dumbledore was unable to fight Severus Snape and a number of other Death Eaters when they showed up.
Well, it is impossible to overstate how amazing Gambon was as Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films. He undoubtedly demonstrated that he was destined to play the part through his commanding presence, incredible talent, and striking delivery.
As we rewatch these seven excellent scenes, we are reminded of Gambon’s significant contribution to the Harry Potter universe and the exceptional legacy he left behind.
Stream the Harry Potter series on Max.
