Michael Gambon | Full Q&A | Oxford Union

SUBSCRIBE for more speakers ► is.gd/OxfordUnion
Oxford Union on Facebook: / theoxfordunion
Oxford Union on Twitter: @OxfordUnion
Website: www.oxford-union.org/
Sir Michael John Gambon CBE is an Irish-born English actor who has worked in theatre, television and film. Gambon has played Philip Marlow in the BBC television serial The Singing Detective, Jules Maigret in the 1990s ITV serial Maigret, and Professor Albus Dumbledore in the last six Harry Potter films after the death of actor Richard Harris.
ABOUT THE OXFORD UNION SOCIETY: The Oxford Union is the world's most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. Since 1823, the Union has been promoting debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe.

[@kprkomunitaspembangunanroh4801]

"i did Harry Potter because the money". what a honest man😂

[@A.A_xv]

Clara Barera I loved when he said that LMAO

[@Grace-co8mp]

When?

[@CarlMarxPunk]

It's really funny how all the "old" people in Harry Potter are basically the greatest theater actors in british history getting their big hollywood payday for 10 minutes of dialogue in a movie lol. Good for them. Get that money.

[@AnthonyHeadway]

@@Grace-co8mp @ 13:24

[@jameswallace7091]

@@CarlMarxPunk they’ve put in all that time and they almost certainly deserve it. Couldn’t agree with you more!

[@gordonbradley199]

Gambon is a classic. he rejoices in always telling lies in interviews. he makes things up at random. he makes no secret of it. he's hilarious.

[@DCI-Frank-Burnside]

He's a concert level accomplished pianist apparently.

[@ulmo5536]

Gordon Bradley Absolutely!

[@timrob12]

He apparantly once faked a heart attack because he was bored.

[@neildahlgaard-sigsworth3819]

Gordon Bradley he told one reporter that he used to be gay, but had to give it up because it made his eyes water.

[@matheuslima9445]

@@neildahlgaard-sigsworth3819 he said that on top gear I think

[@fouratouerghemmi5809]

A brilliant , kind hearted amusing man! He will be missed indeed...

[@ulmo5536]

Sad about the memoryproblem and that Michael can't act anymore because of it. He's a brilliant!

[@Someone_1994]

fantastic actor he is and may he rest in peace 😢

[@pia91]

Really brave of him to do that despite his severe memory problems. Legendary actor and still such a great sense of humour in him, hope he won't lose that

[@jameswallace7091]

I had no idea of his memory problems. Remember watching him on top gear and he seemed fine but I have to remember that was about 20 years ago. Love Sir Michael Gambon

[@pia91]

@@jameswallace7091 he wouldn't have had them back then, obviously. Alzheimer's/dementia. No sure way of telling when it kicked in for us but it's pretty damn obvious here that it has already - and that he's aware of it, or at least the struggle he's having. Shame that the interviewer isn't more accomodating. Really doesn't take much...

[@jennifercleary8966]

I feel the same. He keeps checking back for affirmatiom that he's doing OK. Pity the interviewer was so cold 😢 think it's lack of experience

[@lindamcgough3645]

Dear god, You have got to be in love with Michael Gambon! I wonder do these kids know what a treasure they have before them. No one mentions his brilliant 'Maigret'!

[@mckavitt]

Linda McGough So true & only 12 episodes! Why not more, I've always wondered.

[@mckavitt]

realmakebelieve Wow, I missed the show you mention. Must try to find it online.

[@mckavitt]

realmakebelieve Thx for info. If that includes 12 full episodes, that must be the set I have watched... more than once!

[@carolsnook4659]

@@mckavitt you only have to look at Fawlty Towers to realise that.. 12 episodes of real good quality comedy/drama...I've watched it over and over in the last 45 years and it still has me rolling in the aisles.

[@karendegenerous8044]

Linda. I agree, I’ve just got to the stage where the guy is handing over to the audience for questions - Ali G hasn’t been mentioned, his great part as prime minister in that, and and the great classic series “The Singing Detective” - The first time I came across the brilliant Sir Michael Gambon.

[@timrob12]

Shame that Michael is having trouble with his memory. It's a bit sad at times.

[@Ranger1812]

timrob12 It is. It was horrible when he couldn't remember Alan Rickman's name yet called him his best friend. And although I never expected him to understand let alone remember the intricacies of Harry Potter, his memory tells him Snape pushed him off a mountain. Not overly far off the truth, but it's still affected. But it's because he's reached an age at which memory loss often occurs, and because of that he's had a long and wonderful career. And for that we should be thankful. "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." - Albus Dumbledore

[@ishmaelforester9825]

I think he might have had a few.

[@ishmaelforester9825]

He seems a little tipsy.

[@brianbrinkman7964]

I think he does have trouble with his memory, but probably more with remembering lines. Most of his fuzziness in this interview I think was him being a bit of a mischievous shite.

[@timrob12]

@stephen noonan The initials are confusing for people. I mean, HP? We could as well be talking about printers.

[@jamiedianne6778]

Michael Gambon was an absolute treasure. ❤

[@AaronMetallion]

Rest in Peace Professor Albus Dumbledore I & II. Thank you for being a part of my special childhood 😢 - "You think the dead we loved truly ever leave us? You think we don't recall them more clearly in times of great trouble?" - "Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living and above all, those who live without love."

[@lenniaa]

I love his voice!❤️

[@tominnis8353]

A national treasure. I'll never forget the profound impression 'The Singing Detective ' made on me. An absolute masterpiece in all respects. And of course 'The cook, the thief, his wife and a her lover' Revenge tragedy at its best. What a nasty character he played ' brilliantly.

[@raycorrigan3297]

Which nation though?

[@crappymcdick]

"he pushed me off the mountain" haha, Gambon is a treat.

[@BYRON..]

I think one of his most underrated roles was in layer cake.

[@DifferentNow]

He reminds me so much of my grandfather, such a amazing actor and man.

[@pia91]

when he whispered "is this going alright?..rubbish?" near the end it broke.my.heart! :'( he did so fucking well

[@Belfastboi]

Yes me too god love him, the interviewer didn’t help at all did he?

[@pia91]

@@Belfastboi abso-fucking-lutely not :(

[@goodboybuddy1]

Wonderful chap! Not a trace of self pity or regret. Marvelous man.

[@HensVLOGS]

Michael Ganbon has a very good voice

[@minttt_]

This guy is my favorite actor. The way he represented Dumbledore, he made him my favorite character. He represented the story of the magical world so well.

[@alexandrialeonora6542]

Yes, Richard Harris was great in his own way as Dumbledore, but I think I prefer Michael Gambon's take on the character. He had the eccentricity of the character, the fun side of him. And yet of course he also played the serious parts so perfectly. Going to miss him deeply. May he rest in peace.

[@louisdisbury9759]

He portrayed Lyndon B Johnson brilliantly and allways brought class to the people he played.

[@liamdavis2387]

He's the quintessential 'grandfather who doesn't give a fuck'

[@davedogge2280]

RIP Gambo, you had the best voice of any British actor I've known.

[@chasehedges6775]

Sad he’s gone.

[@mac10ner]

He was Irish. Born in Dublin

[@johnsometimeswrong8742]

​@@mac10ner Well, brought up in Britain a great mix

[@Sarah-river]

Quite hard to watch him in front of an audience with his memory problems. Love Michael Gambon so much. Love him as Dumbledore and loved him in Emma and Cranford. Really brilliant actor.

[@DavidBrown-jd2st]

"I haven't rung them yet" You got to love gambon for his Honesty.

[@neilforbes416]

Michael Gambon has a WICKED sense of humour, absolutely WICKED!

[@kimsherlock8969]

What a treasure to see and hear him crack jokes. When I am nervous I forget peoples names anxiety can do this its distressing to not remember a friends name I never forget their face or any face. We are all differently wired. I love ❤ the era of theatre in Britain with so much talent and beautiful voices. Respecting a timeslot and one whom lived in it , still wih us today.

[@breakingaustin]

The interviewer was really bad.. Love Michael though.. what a guy.. even with his obvious struggles with his memory, he lights up the room. Amazing.

[@Victor76684]

He is a legend, and he s indeed Dumbledore n every way

[@timrob12]

Very interested to see what Jude Law will do with the part.

[@mckavitt]

Victor Barros And much more.

[@MichaelM28]

He was a terrible Dumbledore

[@Ranger1812]

Michael McGrath No he wasn't. He was perfect. People always cite GoF like it isn't the obvious outlier in the series, not the norm. He was very different in PoA, which was BEFORE GoF, and totally different after, especially in HBP and DH. He was perfect. Instead of focusing on the one film that fits your preconceived narrative, look at the evidence to get to the conclusion. Instead of focusing on him screaming at Harry, shouting all the time, and always being angry and having a "thickness" to his voice, look at his speech in HBP. It's phenomenal. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fobHh5Koht2MnLM For other great examples, literally just watch HBP and DH. People's bias regarding Gambon's Dumbledore is pathetic.

[@ThisHandleSystemCanGetNicked]

@@Ranger1812 I liked the idea of Dumbledore having a powerful voice. You also didn't mention Order of The Phoenix, where he kicks Voldemort's ass.

[@sherrywang8244]

"That bugger, what's his name? He killed me." Oh, I bet Mr. Alan Rickman will laugh loud in heaven now when he hears it.

[@interstellar1962]

Gave up after ten minutes, does this twit of an interviewer know only about Michael's work on Harry Potter? Michael's a treasure and deserves more respect.

[@anonleeleichner3915]

Stellar body of work...great actor, much admiration for his long career.

[@zeljkobankovic4592]

What an interesting man! So real. Very rare for an actor.

[@caringnature6125]

This is amazing, he didn’t even change his voice for the films.

[@AnthonyHeadway]

Neither did Richard Harris

[@margeryfranko1850]

Thank you Michael Gambon. You are wonderful to listen to and a super actor. Thank you for this conversation 😁

[@daumier828]

What a wonderful artist. I will miss his soul.

[@vacuumelite2065]

Michael is top quality. The chap asking the questions might benefit from some speech coaching.

[@Archmetal06]

Great actor. Loved his work as the villain "Leland Zevo" in the 1992 movie "Toys" also with Robin Williams. He plays a great villainous type actor.

[@caitlinbrennan9039]

I am confused as to why he is constantly asked about Dumbledore eventhough he has done many great things before and after this! Like only asking Maggie smith about Harry Potter too

[@adroharv9213]

loved him in Singing Detective

[@iantheorem]

The poor man probably feels type casted, for lack of a better term for constantly having to put up with Dumbledore references and I feel for him. On the other hand he did play the character 6 times.. 6, or 7? or? Well it was a lot! He seems a bit annoyed. His skill for his craft is stunning!

[@jater10]

This is a young group who know him more for that role.

[@Aalborg42]

Mr Gambon for me is and always will be "The Singing Detective"...

[@mckavitt]

Erling Hansen Didn't Patrick Malahide do that role too?

[@Aalborg42]

@@mckavitt Nope.. but he was in it!

[@minttt_]

And Dumbledore

[@sayantaroy9640]

And for me he is dumbledore

[@johnmcgovern2084]

What a great opportunity to listen to Michael Gambon,........ and all they ask him is questions about Harry fucking Potter!!!

[@timrob12]

I have no problem with that. :)

[@rosaprice]

Reminds me of Alec Guinness when asked why he did "Star Wars." He was quick to say, "Money!" I often wonder if M.G feels the same about doing Harry Potter?

[@judithcressey1682]

Just thinking the same thing. Have seen Michael Gambon on stage a couple of times; a great actor with a great body of work to discuss and these so-called ' bright young things' are only interested in Harry Potter! It's shameful and embarrassing. What an indictment of the paltry state of young people's minds, also demonstrated by the poor interviewing skills. No-one over the age of eight should read the Potter books. I have heard it said they are poorly written. Oxford infants, there's a whole lot of great and entertaining books for adults out there!

[@timrob12]

Some of the movies, like Goblet of Fire, had scenes shot at Oxford, so maybe that why these people are fans of the movies. And to be honest, Gambon probably got well paid for them.

[@augustmagbon]

rosa price Yes he does. It's the same for him. He said so: "Money." That's a good reason, if you ask me.

[@Poetic_Justice1962]

He engaged the young audience well enough in spite of some things.

[@vardellsfolly5200]

The interviewer is horrid. He talks too fast, too low. He is an old man, for Pete's sake! Slow down, increase the volume of your voice and pay more attention!

[@allybally0021]

I have just commented to that effect. I agree completely.......an awful clipped voice with poor diction. Ok for chatting to his mates....not for public speaking with an elderly gentleman.

[@spainter1985]

Gambon is an absolute legend!

[@mohilkarangia]

His accents are the best I ever heard.

[@SassyCosmicBoobs.]

Oh my GAWD I love this guy!

[@robnewman6101]

R.I.P Sir Michael Gambon 1940 - 2023.

[@goldenhair1981]

I just love his voice 🤗

[@anonleeleichner3915]

Yes...the voice is liquid gold

[@richierich8334]

"I never had to audition!!" "I did audition once"

[@edwardwilliams2438]

Why does any interview with Brits All seem so interesting. I have watched our American actors interviewed and few are memorable. Gambon has such a nice tone to his voice...as do most theater performers. Also I notice that most English stars and character performers don't go in for face lifts or vanity trips. This is so nice to see genuine animated interviewees, Michael is so authentic and gracious...Thanks.

[@raycorrigan3297]

Michael Gambon is Irish!!!!!!

[@edwardwilliams2438]

In his bio he is listed as being an Irish/English actor. So....are we splitting hairs?? Still a nice man!

[@raycorrigan3297]

@@edwardwilliams2438 no. His bio clearly states born in Ireland.

[@carolking6355]

He is absolutely adorable. ❤

[@Illuminatea]

His voice in Elder scrolls online is just great

[@sandranaylor2348]

Michael has the most wonderful voice

[@kevinfox6097]

The Cook , The Thief , His Wife & Her Lover ... class actor 🇮🇪

[@arlanfroz3242]

Um grande ator que ficou eternizado. Uma pena, todos envelhecemos e mudamos drasticamente

[@adrianwalters2318]

R.I.P💯🙏🏾

[@johnmccann8319]

He is brilliant!!!Loved him as Dumbledore.Great actor,great voice.Loved Harris too of course.His great sense of humour comes from his Irish blood.💚

[@Humannondancer]

Seeing this and the Ian McKellen interview back to back, it's not really surprising which one was a performance. The Singing Detective was a masterpiece.

[@Ranger1812]

Humannondancer Dumbledore was far and away better than Gandalf. People always cite GoF like it isn't the obvious outlier in the series, not the norm. He was very different in PoA, which was BEFORE GoF, and totally different after, especially in HBP and DH. He was perfect. Instead of focusing on the one film that fits your preconceived narrative, look at the evidence to get to the conclusion. Instead of focusing on him screaming at Harry, shouting all the time, and always being angry and having a "thickness" to his voice, look at his speech in HBP. It's phenomenal. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fobHh5Koht2MnLM For other great examples, literally just watch HBP and DH. People's bias regarding Gambon's Dumbledore is pathetic. Gambon himself is just naturally more dry than McKellen, too, as well as having memory loss.

[@BertoniBertone]

Racconteur, dry wit, subtle and ironic, and a truly great actor. Alas, lost on an audience and an interviewer with a charisma by-pass. What a wasted opportunity.

[@caitlinbrennan9039]

Absoutely

[@anantsharma7955]

Bro just shut the fuck up

[@freemason4979]

I could listen to this man reading the phone book

[@dannycooper1245]

This man is phenomenal!! I loved him as Dumbledore and I love him as himself! 😃😂

[@AymanB]

Really wish you'd changed the interviewer a while ago... Never too late though. Maybe someone more emotive, more reactive, less robotic. I mean he handled it so horribly that Sir Michael was looking at his watch at 43:33.

[@FanatixPublishing]

Ha... The bit at the beginning where he says "I know you don't like interviews, so we'll make sure this is a conversation not an interview" then proceeds to ask about the most obvious topic, and poses a question about replacing a deceased cast member! It literally doesn't get more "interview-esque" than that!

[@annjoce4850]

Thanks

[@gspiggity]

Ayman B. it's good when they are wooden, makes the star shine 😋

[@mckavitt]

DothanFanatixTV American stuff to boot! Possibly this great British actor's least career choice to be proud of. Who cares about Harry Potter & Star Wars? Now, Richard the Third... Yes!!!

[@timrob12]

Gerrard, I agree. I once sat in on a convention where they interviewed Doctor Who star Colin Baker. The woman asking the questions was really bad. And didn't even speak loud enough to be heard through the room. Colin Baker of course SHINED and was just so much better than the interviewee.

[@stephenreeds3672]

He seems to be an instinctive actor and I think that they're the best.

[@A.A_xv]

Lmao I like how he started trolling around with the Harry Potter questions

[@petrinasimmons6686]

R.I.P. Sir Michael Gambon 🙏🏼 9.28.2023 thank you for decades of amazing entertainment. 👏

[@vardellsfolly5200]

Those fingers though.. so long, so expressive, a wizard's fingers.

[@CaneTopper]

the excuse with the dying relative is gold. we all have been there.

[@MadKingOfMadaya]

*_5:55_**_ What a legend_*

[@edgars00789]

A powerful wizard I love Michael Gambon my favorite wizard

[@coldpotatoes2556]

When Your brilliant, you don’t have to audition. A treasure to Britain.

[@mjw12345]

A treasure from Ireland to Britain!

[@jennifercleary8966]

​@@mjw12345❤❤❤❤❤❤😊

[@JollyGraham]

Loved that man.

[@michaellack5139]

Loved him in high heels,low life’s....layer cake....great voice,great actor

[@rowan1325]

He was perfect

[@angelparga7782]

He is such a great actor, he is Dumbledore all way long, I see him and I see the best wizard ever. The way he speaks, the way he talks. The way he moves his hands. Wow i wish I can meet him in person one day. Besides he has a tremendous career as an actor and the interviewer is just not doing his job properly. I still had lot of fun here.

[@minttt_]

@@MichaelM28 LOL. You mean the guy who would had probably broken his back trying to shoot the scene dueling voldemort during the order of the phoenix? Not that Harris was terrible, but Gambon was light-years ahead of Harris

[@crappymcdick]

@@minttt_ I definitely understand how people prefer Harris, but honestly, even if he was alive doing all the other films, it wouldn't have worked all that well. He was old in the first two films, it was clear, far too clear.

[@gabrielaohiggins8995]

@@minttt_ Harris was sick when he played Dumbledore in the two installments of Harry Potter, if I'm not mistaken I think he was suffering from cancer that's why Dumbledore looked physically weak.

[@yashguptakinjalk1732]

Look at this magical creature !

[@DlcEnergy]

23:58 "of course i feel english. but i tell the irish, that i'm irish" xD

[@gavinhiggins5627]

He's taking the piss out of them because they are asking harrypotter questions

[@gamezzxo5436]

He still sounds like dumbledore😍

[@ginseng.7888]

@ 51:09 “Is This Going Alright? *Interviewer Nods Head*... Rubbish” 😂😂😂

[@lukasbayu.a6055]

I want Michael Gambon and Ian Mckellen in one stage. Dumbledore Vs Gandalf

[@user-dx9my1en2d]

Rest in Peace

[@chasehedges6775]

Same.

[@Str8Rogue]

Rip❤

[@PiyushKhandelwal06]

RIP Prof. ❤

[@chung4256]

RIP legend❤

[@novoeduardoac1248]

Dumbledore ❤️

[@SUSHANTBHARTI]

Reminded me of my father 😢

[@GH-oi2jf]

Not a word about Chief Inspector Maigret, a role I thought he played perfectly.

[@yisroelrabin326]

cant agree more. was hoping for that. doubt hed remember anyways tho. shame

[@augustmagbon]

He has a terrible diction, the damn interviewer. Sir Michael rocks.

[@pia91]

I very much doubt that's his fault though, sounds like he's got a tiny speaking disorder, so nothing to make fun of or complain about.

[@pia91]

@Dustpanda Music I do not disagree, but I don't like dissing the interviewer per se, which happened a LOT (and you didn't specify that either) - there should have been someone who knows how to deal with alzheimer's, how to "translate" questions etc..... - but just slandering the poor guy, who probably didn't have a choice, isn' t the way to go

[@arcticfirefly5777]

Sad to hear he wish he could remember all of being in Harry Potter, but that his memory of it is somewhat lost. Seems like a humble man, who enjoyed acting.

[@durvonityejorand8898]

Dumbledore drinks sparkled water!

[@Bishop777songsBoRNagAIn]

I love you in the insider

[@blueglitch8060]

This is Dumbeledore hides in the muggles clothes 💜💜

[@TheMASDrummer]

Nothing mentioned about Layer Cake?

[@pattyandbustershow1031]

The singing detective!! Maigret

[@apocolex93]

He’s a terrible Lobbus. I love him to bits.😂❤

[@MapleSyrupPoet]

God protect Britain 🇬🇧 🙏

[@mekatriona]

Thought I was in for a treat watching a big star but what a shallow, lightweight, trivial, insignificant interview when the interviewer was asking the questions. All he can ask about is Harry Potter and his voice is annoying, needs to slow down. We were in the presence of a great so also ask him about life, things he's done in his life outside of acting, he was 75 at the time of the interview he's lived a life worth talking about so lets get to know the man. I started to pay attention when the audience started asking their questions, they got him talking about more than Harry Potter. The only good thing that I can say about the interviewer is that he listened very well - he gave Michael a good amount of space to speak & was helpful to Michael in clarifying what the students were asking. From North London.

[@333Hogwarts]

I must say I do find this chap interesting and familiar.

[@lassekarlsson5385]

rest in peace

[@nelsongonzalez4533]

Is that the actor who played in the movie:" The Taylor of Panama"?

[@chrish12345]

why is there an electric shaver on the table