Michael Gambon to receive a coincidental BIFA Honor December 9

Although no Order of Merlin or Supreme Mugwump, Sir Michael Gambon, best known today as the actor who portrayed Albus Dumbledore in the final six Harry Potter films, will be honored with a very prestigious award at the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA). The Telegraph reports that Gambon, along with fellow British actor Jude Law, will be presented with awards at this year’s London ceremony.

Sir Michael Gambon, whose career spans over six decades, will be recognized with the Richard Harris Award, which “recognizes outstanding contribution to British Film.” This name might seem familiar, especially in correlation with Gambon, as Richard Harris, the award’s namesake, played Albus Dumbledore in the first two Potter films, but sadly passed away in 2002. Previous winners of this award include fellow Potter actors Ralph Fiennes and Helena Bonham Carter, as well as Daniel Day-Lewis and Bob Hoskins. Gambon is presently starring in Sir Trevor Nunn’s theatre production of All That Falls, in London.

The British Independent Film Awards will take place on December 9. Sir Michael Gambon has certainly had an incredible career in theater, television, and on film, and is truly deserving of this esteemed award.

Do you have a favorite Dumbledore moment? Which of Sir Michael Gambon’s other works have you seen? Let us know in the comments below.