Michael Gambon, the British-Irish actor, who played the prominent wizard role of Albus Dumbledore in the six later Harry Potter movies, has died at the age of 82, his personnel agency confirmed on Thursday.
In a statement on behalf of his wife Lady Gambon and son Fergus Gambon, issued by publicist Clair Dobbs, said the family was “devastated to report the loss,” and added that the “dear husband and father” had passed away peacefully in a hospital surrounded by his wife and son following a bout of pneumonia.
The statement said, ‘We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon. Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia. Michael was 82.’
‘We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love.’
Gambon was awarded four U.K. television BAFTAs during his decades-long acting career, which witnessed him accept staring roles across television, movies, radio, and on the stage.
However, it was Gambon’s role as the head of the Hogwarts school for witches and wizards in the famous Harry Potter franchise that made him a familiar face to more current generations. He succeeded actor Richard Harris in the role, who passed away in 2002 after performing Dumbledore’s character in the first two Harry Potter movies.
