Jeremy Clarkson leads tributes to Michael Gambon as he dies aged 82 – after naming Top Gear feature after acting legend
JEREMY Clarkson has led the tributes to legendary actor Sir Michael Gambon following his death.
Sir Michael was an icon of the screen and the stage, most known for his role as Dumbledore in the Harry Potter franchise.
He died peacefully in hospital aged 82, and his family released a statement which read: “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon.
“Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia. Michael was 82.
“We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love.”
Following the news of his death, Jeremy Clarkson wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “I’m so sad to hear that Michael Gambon has died. He was hugely amusing, and such a tremendous guest, we even named a corner after him.”
Actor Sir Michael Gambon had the last corner, No8, named in his honour after he damaged a Suzuki Liana there during the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car challenge in December 2002.
And many more celebrities have paid tribute to the late star following the heartbreaking news of his death.
Actor Peter Egan penned: “Deeply sad to see this. One of the funniest men on the planet and a great actor. I’ll miss him.”
Inbetweeners star Blake Harrison, known for his role as Neil, wrote: “The funniest actor I’ve ever worked with. My lunch breaks on Dad’s Army were spent wanting to hear story after story from him. A phenomenal actor. RIP Sir Michael Gambon.”
English comedian, presenter and screenwriter David Baddiel wrote: “First time I ever went to see any Theatre with a capital T it was Michael Gambon in Brecht’s Life Of Galileo at The National in 1980. It’s still the best stage acting I’ve ever seen. RIP.”
As well as his iconic role in Harry Potter he starred in blockbusters Gosford Park (2001), Ali G Indahouse (2002), Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) and The King’s Speech (2010).
He also played Philip Marlowe in serial drama The Singing Detective.
The qualified pilot later appeared in BBC TV hits like Perfect Strangers and Emma.
The 82-year-old won four BAFTA’s for his TV work, three Oliver Awards and two Screen Actors Guild Award’s.
In 1998 he was knighted in The Queen’s New Years’ Honours for services to drama.