Dominic West Draws Inspiration from Late Sir Michael Gambon for Stage Role

Dominic West, 54, shared the story on The Graham Norton Show, explaining that during a strike at the end of filming The Crown, he felt compelled to take on a new project. The memory of Sir Michael Gambon, who had recently passed away, playing the same role in a 1987 production, lingered in his mind, motivating West to embrace the challenging role of Eddie Carbone in A View From The Bridge.

Reflecting on the impact of Gambon, West stated, “It was the end of The Crown, we (TV and film actors) were on strike, and I wanted to do something. Michael Gambon had just died, and the memory of him doing it was seminal. When I read the lines, I could hear him. It’s a big part, a great part.”

Sir Michael Gambon, acclaimed for his diverse roles, including Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter, had previously worked with West in The Gambler, a film adaptation of Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s story. West’s decision to channel Gambon’s influence in this new theatre production showcases the profound impact fellow actors can have on each other’s artistic choices.