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Radcliffe Remembers Gambon's Playful Spirit
19 Feb
Summary
- Daniel Radcliffe fondly recalls Michael Gambon's constant jokes on set.
- Gambon's Dumbledore portrayal began in 2004 after Richard Harris' death.
- John Lithgow defends taking on Dumbledore amid controversy.
Daniel Radcliffe shared fond memories of Michael Gambon, the actor who succeeded Richard Harris as Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films. Radcliffe recalled Gambon's consistent playfulness on set, noting how the veteran actor would frequently attempt to make him laugh, even after "action" was called.
Gambon first portrayed the Hogwarts headmaster in 2004's "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" and continued the role until the franchise concluded. He passed away in 2023 at the age of 82.
Looking ahead, John Lithgow has been cast as a younger Dumbledore for the upcoming HBO Max television adaptation, scheduled for a 2027 debut. Lithgow recently addressed controversy surrounding his casting, stating that he found no trace of transphobic sensibility in Rowling's Harry Potter canon, emphasizing its themes of kindness and empathy.
Lithgow admitted the decision to take on the iconic role was difficult due to the associated controversies but ultimately chose to proceed, aligning himself with the "war on empathy" he perceives globally and prioritizing the character's complexities.
