Guests at Universal Orlando Resort unofficially gathered today to raise their wands in tribute to the late Michael Gambon. Gambon, known for portraying Dumbledore for the majority of the “Harry Potter” films, was reported to have passed away today at age 82.

Wands Up for Michael Gambon

Guests gathered in front of the entrance to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Fans raised their wands (and even an umbrella or two) to the sky to honor the actor, a unofficial tradition that takes place when a member of the “Harry Potter” cast passes away.

Similar gatherings took place in 2022 and 2016, when actors Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid) and Alan Rickman (Severus Snape) passed away, respectively. The custom of raising wands originated in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” to honor the passing of Albus Dumbledore.

Gambon took over the role of Albus Dumbledore for “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” the main series’ third installment, after the death of Richard Harris. He played Dumbledore for the rest of the “Harry Potter” film series. He reprised his role for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, a ride at several Universal Studios’ theme parks.

A prolific actor, Gambon appeared in several stage performances of Shakespeare plays and made his film debut with a minor role in “Othello” (1965) starring Laurence Olivier. He’s also known for his award-winning performances in “Gosford Park” (2001) and “The King’s Speech” (2010).

Watch our video of the tribute to Michael Gambon below:

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