Birthday: Oct 19, 1940

Birthplace: Dublin

Biography: Sir Michael John Gambon is an acclaimed Irish-born actor who has worked in television, film and theatre. ed 19, he attended the theatre. After passing the Shaftesbury Theatre, and loving the chaotic experience inside, he joined the Unity Theatre in Kings Cross. Five years later he wrote a letter to Michael MacLiammoir, the Irish theatre impressario who ran Dublin's Gate Theatre. It was accompanied by a CV describing a rich and wholly imaginary theatre career – and he was taken on.Gambon made his... ... (read more...) professional British stage debut in the Gate Theatre's 1962 production of Othello, playing "2nd Gentleman". In 1963, he was chosen by Sir Laurence Olivier to be part of the original Royal National Theatre company, alongside Maggie Smith, Nicol Williamson and newcomers including Lynn Redgrave. The company initially performed at the Old Vic, their first production being Hamlet, directed by Olivier and starring Peter O'Toole. He played for four years in many NT productions, including Much Ado About Nothing, and Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, working with guest directors including Noel Coward and Franco Zeffirelli.