From Dumbledore to Churchill, Gambon in a New Leading Role

Feb 19, 2016

Posted by: Catherine

Gambon, Movies, News

Michael Gambon (the second actor to portray Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series) will be adapting the character of Winston Churchill in a new 2-hour ITV television drama. Gambon’s portrayal of Dumbledore is probably a small step away from the Gambon’s portrayal of Churchill, as Gambon’s Dumbledore was a little more of an assertive leader, and his role as Churchill will portray the war-time Prime Minister at “one of his lowest points” in life after suffering a severe stroke.

The Daily Mail released first-look images of this period drama, showing Michael Gambon as a dignified, though ailing old war leader. The Daily Mail wrote on Michael Gambon’s involvement in the tv drama, reporting:

There’s no question that Sir Michael Gambon has the dignity and gravitas needed to play Sir Winston Churchill in a TV drama this month.

However, the veteran actor, 75, had the challenge of portraying the former British Prime Minister at one of his lowest points after a severe stroke in 1953.

Sir Michael admits he was ‘terrified’ at depicting such a famous figure as the nation’s wartime hero.

Leading Britain for a second time, Churchill was left fighting for his life as his illness was hidden from the public.

Dressed in the style of the British wartime leader, Michael certainly looked the part as he clutched a cigar and modelled the politician’s iconic hat.

Clad in a cardigan and dapper jacket, set off with a spotted dickie bow, the veteran actor was a dead ringer for Churchill in his later years.

The two-hour TV film follows the story of a nurse guiding the ailing Churchill back to health during his final years in power at his Kent home.

The drama, based on Jonathan Smith’s book, The Churchill Secret: KBO, takes place in the summer of 1953, during the final years of Churchill’s term as Prime Minister. ITV expressed an interest in showing a lesser-known part of Churchill’s story and a different side to his character. A few of the images can be seen below, the rest of the article and photos can be seen in the original Daily Mail article.

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