As one of the most revered actors in the world, Michael Gambon has a resume that would make any actor envious. From his early days on stage to his prolific career on screen, Gambon has shown time and again why he is one of the best in the business. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of Gambon’s most iconic roles throughout his career. Whether you’re a fan of Gambon or not, you have to admit that he’s done some great work over the years! So without further ado, let’s take a look at some of Michael Gambon’s best roles!
Michael Gambon in Cordelia (2019)
Sir Michael Gambon makes a cameo appearance as Moses in the movie Cordelia. This is a drama film directed by Richard Eyre and based on the play King Lear by William Shakespeare. The movie stars Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson, Andrew Scott, and Jim Broadbent.
While it’s not one of Gambon’s biggest roles, he still manages to make an impact in his brief scene. He delivers a powerful performance as the wise advisor to Hopkins’ Lear. It’s a great example of Gambon’s range as an actor and his ability to bring Shakespeare to life on screen.
Michael Gambon in Judy (2019)
Michael Gambon stars as Sydney Lipworth in the Judy Garland biopic Judy. The movie follows the last months of Garland’s life as she prepares for a series of sold-out concerts in London.
Gambon gives a moving performance as Lipworth, Garland’s longtime friend and agent. He’s able to capture the complexity of their relationship and the deep bond that they shared. It’s a touching performance that is sure to leave audiences moved.
Michael Gambon in Johnny English Strikes Again (2018)
Johnny English Strikes Again is one of Gambon’s most recent roles. He plays Agent Five, a bumbling secret agent who is called out of retirement to stop a villainous hacker.
The film is a typical action-comedy, but Gambon brings his usual charm and charisma to the role. He steals every scene he’s in and makes the film a lot funnier than it would be without him.
Michael Gambon in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
Gambon took over the role of Albus Dumbledore from Richard Harris for the last two Harry Potter movies. In Deathly Hallows: Part 2, Gambon gives a heart-wrenching performance as the wizard who sacrifices himself to save Harry Potter (played by Daniel Radcliffe).
It’s a fitting end to Gambon’s time as Dumbledore. He brings a deep emotional resonance to the character in his final scene. It’s a powerful reminder of Gambon’s talent and why he is one of the best actors working today.
Michael Gambon in The King’s Speech (2010)
Gambon starred alongside Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter in The King’s Speech. He plays King George V, the father of King George VI (played by Firth).
The King’s Speech is one of Gambon’s most recent roles, but it’s one of his best. He delivers a touching performance as the man who helps the king find his voice. The film is a moving portrait of friendship and determination, and Gambon is superb in it.
Michael Gambon in Open Range (2003)

Michael Gambon is Open Range’s primary villain, Denton Baxter. Baxter owns the land Open Range’s protagonist drives their cattle on, and wants to force Charley Waite off, so he can build a railroad there. He has no regard for Open Range’s lives or the lives of anyone around him, and Open Range’s characters must make him pay for his actions.
Michael Gambon in Gosford Park (2001)
Gambon starred in Robert Altman’s Gosford Park as Sir William McCordle, a wealthy aristocrat who is murdered at a country house party.
Gosford Park is one of Gambon’s most underrated roles. He delivers a nuanced performance as the aristocrat who is hiding a dark secret. The film is gorgeously shot and features a stellar cast, including Dame Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, and Kelly Macdonald.
Michael Gambon in The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989)
Gambon starred in Peter Greenaway’s The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover as Albert Spica, a ruthless gangster who owns a London restaurant.
The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover is one of Gambon’s most controversial roles. He gives a fearless performance as the vile gangster who terrorizes everyone around him. The film is shocking and brutal, but Gambon’s performance is mesmerizing.
Michael Gambon in The Singing Detective (1986)
Gambon starred in the BBC mini-series The Singing Detective as Philip Marlow, a novelist who is hospitalized with psoriatic arthritis. The mini-series was written and directed by Dennis Potter and also starred Nigel Hawthorne, Patrick Malahide, and Bill Paterson.
Gambon’s performance in The Singing Detective is one of his most iconic. He delivers a tour-de-force performance as the tortured writer who is slowly losing his mind. The series is dark, violent, and often disturbing, but Gambon’s performance is never less than captivating.