Michael Gambon Net Worth

Michael Gambon’s Net Worth: A Look at the Life and Legacy

Michael Gambon, the esteemed Irish-English actor, left behind a remarkable legacy in the world of entertainment. Known for his versatility and captivating performances, Gambon charmed audiences on stage and screen. This article delves into the life, career, and financial standing of this beloved actor.

Early Life and Education

Michael John Gambon was born on October 19, 1940, in Cabra, Dublin, Ireland. His parents, Mary, a seamstress, and Edward, an engineering operative, later relocated to London. At the age of six, Gambon moved to London, where he became a British citizen. He received his education at St. Aloysius Boys’ School, Crayford Secondary School, and other institutions. He left school at 15 and began an apprenticeship as a toolmaker, becoming a qualified engineering technician by 21. During this time, he developed a keen interest in antiques and collectibles, a passion that would endure throughout his life.

A Flourishing Theatre Career

Gambon’s passion for acting led him to write to Michael Mac Liammoir of Dublin’s Gate Theatre, fabricating a resume of imaginary experience to gain entry. His professional stage debut came in 1962 with “Othello.” He caught the attention of Laurence Olivier while auditioning for “Richard III,” leading to a four-year stint with Olivier’s National Theatre Company. There, he appeared in productions like “The Recruiting Officer” and “The Royal Hunt of the Sun.”

In 1967, he joined the Birmingham Repertory Company, taking on title roles in plays like “Othello,” “Macbeth,” and “Coriolanus.” His theatrical success continued, with appearances in the West End and a reputation as a comic actor. He earned the nickname “The Great Gambon” from Ralph Richardson. Major roles included “The Life of Galileo,” “Cressida,” and “King Lear.” In 1995, his performance in “Skylight” earned him a Tony Award nomination. He retired from theatre in 2015 due to difficulties with memorization.

Film and Television Breakthroughs

Gambon’s film career began in 1965 with a small role in “Othello.” It was followed by “Nothing But the Night” eight years later. He made television appearances during the mid-to-late ’60s, with parts in “Much Ado About Nothing,” “Public Eye,” and “The Borderers.”

Becoming Dumbledore

In 2004, Gambon took on the iconic role of Albus Dumbledore in the “Harry Potter” franchise, succeeding Richard Harris. He appeared in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” and both parts of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.”

Gambon’s notable film and TV roles included “The Singing Detective,” “Arthur of the Britons,” “The Other One,” “Maigret,” “Sleepy Hollow,” “Christmas Carol: The Movie,” “Being Julia,” “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” and “The King’s Speech.”

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(Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

Personal Life and Legacy

In 1962, Gambon married Anne Miller, a mathematician, with whom he had a son, Fergus. Fergus became a ceramics expert on “Antiques Roadshow.” In 1998, Gambon was knighted. Since 2000, he was in a relationship with Philippa Hart, with whom he had two sons, while remaining married to Miller.

Gambon’s love for collecting extended to cars; he appeared on “Top Gear.” He won three Olivier Awards, four BAFTA Television Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.

Michael Gambon’s Net Worth at the Time of His Death

At the time of his death in September 2023, Michael Gambon had a net worth of $10 million. His will revealed he left $2 million to his wife, Lady Anne Gambon, along with their $7 million home in Kent. His two children from his relationship with Philippa Hart each received 10,000 pounds (approximately $13,000).