Sir Michael John Gambon CBE is an Irish-born British actor who has worked in theatre, television, and film. Gambon has played the eponymous mystery writer protagonist in the BBC television serial The Singing Detective, Jules Maigret in the 1990s ITV serial Maigret, and Professor Albus Dumbledore in the final six Harry Potter films after the death of Richard Harris who had previously played the role. He has won four BAFTA TV Awards and three Olivier Awards. He was knighted in 1998 for services to drama, and he was awarded the Irish Film & Television Academy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 for his contribution to Irish film.