Michael Gambon is an Irish actor, who earned much prominence for the portrayal of Philip Marlowe in the BBC TV series called, The Singing Detective. He was born on October 19, 1940 in Cabra, Dublin, to Mary and Edward Gambon, a seamstress and an engineer. His father made a decision to look for work in the rebuilding of London, therefore, he together with his family relocaed to Mornington Crescent in North London, when he was at the young age of five. He was baptized with the real name of Michael John Gambon and was raised as a Roman Catholic. He entered the St, Aloysius Boys’ School, which is located at Somers Town. He then entered the St. Aloysius’ College in Hornsey Lane, Highgate, London. He also attended a school in Kent. By the age of 21, Gambon became a trained engineer. On the other hand, at the young age of 18, Gambon headed off to Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), taking classical acting for not more than three years. He then earned his BA in Classical acting. While he was still in RADA, Gambon joined the Unity Theare in King’s Cross.
On the other hand, Gambon had his career debut in year 1962, appearing in the stage production of Othello, where he portrayed the role of the Second Gentleman. After one year, Gambon was being noticed by the star-maker Laurence Oliver who was then hiring talented person for his new National Theatre Company. Gambon then hired together with Robert Stephens and Frank Finlay as well as Derek Jacobi and started on portraying different roles in various productions. On the other hand, it was said that the company was originally performed at the Old Vic and their initial production was the Hamlet, which was directed by Olivier. Nevertheless, Gambon has played in several NT productions, which also includes the spots in The Recruiting officer and The Royal Hunt of the Sun, where he collaborated witht eh directors, William Gaskill and John Dexter. After spending three year in Old Vic, Olivier told him that he should have an experience in provincial rep. in year 1967. Gambon eventually left NT for the Birmingham Repertory Company, which gave him the lead roles in the productions of Othello, Macbeth and Coriolanus.
In year 1974, Gambon started to gain much fame when Eric Thompson included him in the ensemble of Alan Ayckbourn production called, The Norman Conquests, which was held in Greenwich. A quick move to the West end made him a brilliant comic actor. He then appeared in the production of Harorld Pinter called, Betrayal as well as in John Dexter’s The Life of Galileo in year 1980. He also appeared in the play called, Mountain Language, together with Miranda Richardson. He was also included in the ensemble of the play called, Skylight. In year 2001, he portrayed the role of Davies in the revival of Patrick Marber called, The Caretaker. On the following year, he appeared together with Daniel Craig in Caryl Chuchill’s play called, A Number. On the other hand, Gambon has also appeared in various TV series and films. He had his film debut in the 1965 film called, Othello. He then appeared in the BBC TV series of The Borderers in year 1970. In year 1992, Gambon portrayed the role of Lt. General Leland Zevo in the comedy film called, Toys, which also starred Robin Williams and John Cusack.
He then appeared as Fyodor Dostoyevsky in the 1997 film entitled, The Gambler, which was directed bu Karoly Makk. In year 1998, Gambon appeared in two films, the Dancing at Lughnasa and Plunkett & Macleane, where he portrayed the roles of Father Jack Mundy and Lord Gibson, respectively. On the following year, Gambon appeared in the film called, Sleepy Hollow, where he portrayed the role of Sir Baltus Van Tessel, together with Jonny Depp, Christina Ricci and Miranda Richardson. Also, in year 1999, he appeared in the TV series called Wives and Daughters, which earned him a BAFTA. In year 2001, Gambon appeared in the TVs series entitled, Perfect Strangers. Gambon was also included in the casts of the TV film of Path of War, where he portrayed the role of President Lyndon B. Johnso. The film earned him a nomination for an Emmy Award for the Best Actor in a Mini-series or Movie and Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Miniseries of Motion Pictures made for Television.
In year 2004, he appeared as Albus Dumbledone in the third sequel of the Harry Potter film series entitled, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. He then reprised the role in the fifth, sixth and in seventh installments of the Harry Potter films. On the following year, Gambon appeared as Larry in the film called, Stories of Lost Souls. He then included in the casts of the film called, The Omen, where he portrayed the role of Bugenhagen. He also appeared in the 2006 film of Amazing Grace. In year 2008, he portrayed the role of Lord Machmain in the drama film called, Brideshead Revisited, together with Emma Thompson. Gambon was also included in the casts of the 2010 film called, The Book of Eli, where he portrayed the role of George. He then appeared in the 2011 film called, Page Eight, where he portrayed the role of Benedict Baron, together with Bill Nighy and Rachel Weisz.
Michael Gambon Photo Gallery
