Michael Gambon - Irish actor, born 19th October 1940,
Dublin, Ireland.
One of Britain's most revered stage performers, he became particularly well-known for his work in a number of Alan Ayckbourn plays.
TV work includes the serial 'The Singing Detective' (1986-87).
Films include 'Gosford Park' (2001), 'Plunkett and Macleane' (1999), and Aldus Dumbledore in 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' (2004).
He was made a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1992.