How Michael Gambon Recruited an Earwig Assistant to Feed Him Lines on Set

Michael Gambon, the iconic Harry Potter actor who passed away in September 2023 at the age of 82, had a secret weapon on set to help him with his lines. In 2010, Gambon enlisted the help of Ellis, who acted as an “earwig” to feed him lines moments before he needed them, all while posing as his assistant to keep the charade hidden from the rest of the cast and crew.

Gambon had already established himself as a seasoned actor with a career spanning over five decades on both stage and screen. When Ellis joined him on David Hare’s Page Eight for the BBC, Gambon’s fear of forgetting lines had become a pressing issue. Ellis recalls how Gambon confided in her about his struggles, admitting that his memory was failing him.

For nine years, Ellis discreetly helped Gambon with his lines, adapting to different filming locations and scenarios. However, on the set of the Sky drama Fortitude in Iceland, the challenge of concealing their arrangement became increasingly difficult.

During their time in Iceland, Ellis recounts a moment when their secret was almost exposed. “The longest we were away was on Fortitude in Iceland,” she said. “And in a very small crew in a very small place, I was revealed.” When the earpiece connection failed, Gambon would frantically call out for Ellis’s assistance as he struggled to remember his lines.

Despite the challenges they faced, Ellis remained dedicated to supporting Gambon throughout their time working together. Their unique partnership allowed Gambon to continue delivering captivating performances until his untimely passing in 2023.