Veteran actor Michael Gambon died in hospital aged 82 following a bout of pneumonia.
Daniel Radcliffe and JK Rowling have led tributes to the actor, describing him as an ‘outstanding’ and ‘wonderful’ man.
“I’ve just heard the awful news about Michael Gambon. The first time I ever laid eyes on him was in King Lear, in 1982, and if you’d told me then that brilliant actor would appear in anything I’d written, I’d have thought you were insane,” Rowling wrote.
“Michael was a wonderful man in addition to being an outstanding actor, and I absolutely loved working with him not only on Potter but also The Casual Vacancy. My deepest condolences go to Michael’s family and everyone who loved him,” the Scottish author added.
Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, described Sir Michael as an ‘incredible story and joke teller,’ saying: “With the loss of Michael Gambon the world just became considerably less fun.
“Michael Gambon was one of the most brilliant, effortless actors I’ve ever had the privilege of working with, but despite his immense talent, the thing I will remember most about him is how much fun he had doing his job. He was silly, irreverent and hilarious. He loved his job, but never seemed defined by it.”
His co-stars Watson and Grint, who played Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, also shared some memories with the veteran actor.
“Kind kind kind Michael Gambon. You never took it too seriously but somehow delivered the most serious moments with all the gravitas,” Watson wrote on Instagram.
“Thank you for showing us what it looks like to wear greatness lightly. We will miss you.”
Grint also said: “So sad to hear about Michael. He brought so much warmth and mischief to every day on set. He captivated me as a kid and became a personal role model of mine for finding the fun and eccentricities in life. Sending all my love to his family.”
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