Born: October 19, 1940 in Dublin, England

Dubbed "The Great Gambon", the actor who portrays Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore on film is also considered one of the all-time greats of British theater. Born in Dublin, Ireland Michael graduated from the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, and was one of the original members of the National Theatre Company with acting legend Sir Laurence Olivier. In a career spanning more than 40 years, characters Michael Gambon has portrayed include Othello, Macbeth, and most recently Falstaff in Henry IV, where he starred alongside fellow Potter actor David Bradley. Michael Gambon is perhaps best known for his beloved UK Television Series The Singing Detective, where he won his first of four "Best Actor" awards from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTAs). Michael Gambon also starred in the highly acclaimed film Gosford Park where he costarred along with Dame Maggie Smith (Professor McGonagall). After assuming the part from the late great Richard Harris, Michael Gambon first joined the Potter cast as Professor Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. He will return for his fourth appearance in the Potter films in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, which is due in theaters July 17, 2009. Made Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1990, Sir Michael Gambon was knighted by Queen Elizabeth of England in 1998. Sir Michael Gambon resides in the UK.