Harry Potter's Dumbledore Actor, Michael Gambon's Top 10 Best Movies

Michael Gambon, a distinguished British actor with a career spanning over five decades, has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Known for his extraordinary talent and versatility, Gambon has graced the screen with memorable performances in a wide array of films. While he may not have been part of "The Lord of the Rings" franchise, his remarkable body of work has solidified his status as one of the most revered actors in the industry. In this article, we will delve into the top 10 movies that showcase Michael Gambon's exceptional acting prowess.

The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989):

[caption id="attachment_11650" align="aligncenter" width="569"] The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989) | Credit: IMBd | Source: Google[/caption] Gambon plays a sadistic gangster who runs a restaurant in London's East End. The film is a visually stunning and emotionally charged exploration of desire, revenge, and the human condition. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrsAjB8xc_8

The Insider (1999):

[caption id="attachment_11660" align="aligncenter" width="568"] Michael Gambon The Insider 1999 Credit: IMDb | Source: Google[/caption] Gambon plays Jeff Wigand, a tobacco industry whistleblower who goes public about the dangers of smoking. The film is a gripping true story that exposes the corruption of the tobacco industry and the courage of one man who stood up to them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdUI_0mIkec

Gosford Park (2001):

[caption id="attachment_11659" align="aligncenter" width="569"] Michael Gambon in Gosford Park (2001) | Credit: IMDb[/caption] Gambon plays an English aristocrat who hosts a weekend hunting party at his country estate. The film is a darkly funny and satirical look at the British class system, with a stellar cast that includes Gambon, Maggie Smith, and Kristin Scott Thomas. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0m00hg1PKY

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004):

[caption id="attachment_11658" align="aligncenter" width="569"] Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) | Credit: Looper | Source: Google[/caption] Gambon took over the role of Albus Dumbledore from Richard Harris in the third Harry Potter film. He brought a new energy and gravitas to the role, and his performance was praised by fans and critics alike. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAxgztbYDbs

Sleepy Hollow (1999):

[caption id="attachment_11657" align="aligncenter" width="569"] Sleepy Hollow (1999 | Credit: IMDb | Source: Google[/caption] Gambon plays Ichabod Crane, a New York City police officer who is sent to investigate a series of mysterious murders in the small town of Sleepy Hollow. The film is a visually stunning and atmospheric gothic horror film, with a memorable performance by Johnny Depp as the Headless Horseman. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9vPtCW9pJ8

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004):

Gambon plays Noah Zissou, a Jacques Cousteau-esque oceanographer who sets out on a mission to avenge the death of his best friend and crew member. The film is a quirky and Wes Anderson-esque comedy, with a stellar cast that includes Gambon, Bill Murray, and Anjelica Huston. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yh401Rmkq0o

Amazing Grace (2006):

[caption id="attachment_11656" align="aligncenter" width="485"] Amazing Grace (2006) | Credit: IMDb | Source: Google[/caption] Gambon plays William Wilberforce, a British politician who campaigned for the abolition of the slave trade. The film is a stirring and inspirational true story about one man's fight for justice. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6Cv5P9H9qU

The King's Speech (2010):

[caption id="attachment_11655" align="aligncenter" width="550"] The King's Speech (2010) | Source: Google[/caption] Gambon plays King George VI, who struggles with a stammer as he prepares to lead England through World War II. The film is a powerful and moving drama about the importance of overcoming adversity, with a stellar cast that includes Gambon, Colin Firth, and Geoffrey Rush. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcxBrTvLbBM

Paddington 2 (2017):

[caption id="attachment_11654" align="aligncenter" width="568"] Paddington-2- |Credit: Letterboxd | Source: Google[/caption] Gambon plays Uncle Pastuzo, a Peruvian bear who is framed for a crime he didn't commit. The film is a heartwarming and funny family comedy, with a memorable performance by Hugh Bonneville as Paddington Bear. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52x5HJ9H8DM

Victoria & Abdul (2017):

[caption id="attachment_11653" align="aligncenter" width="568"] Victoria & Abdul (2017) IMDb[/caption] Gambon plays Lord Salisbury, the Prime Minister of England, during the reign of Queen Victoria. The film is a charming and heartwarming comedy-drama about the unlikely friendship between Queen Victoria and a young Indian clerk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T504u17Ao9A

These are just a few of Michael Gambon's many great films. He was a truly gifted actor who brought joy and inspiration to audiences around the world.

Michael Gambon in The Lord of the Rings

Michael Gambon did not appear in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. He was originally offered the role of Gandalf, but he turned it down due to scheduling conflicts.

Michael Gambon as Dumbledore

Michael Gambon took over the role of Albus Dumbledore from Richard Harris in the third Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. He brought a new energy and gravitas to the role, and his performance was praised by fans and critics alike.

Gambon's Dumbledore was a more complex and conflicted character than Harris's portrayal. He was still wise and compassionate, but he was also more irritable and prone to outbursts of anger. Gambon's performance brought out these different sides of Dumbledore's character, making him a more well-rounded and believable character.

Gambon's Dumbledore was also more vulnerable than Harris's portrayal. He was shown to be afraid of Lord Voldemort and the power he possessed.

Michael Gambon's Death

Michael Gambon died on September 27, 2023, at the age of 82, following a bout of pneumonia. He is survived by his wife, Anne, and son, Fergus.