Harry Potter star actor, Michael Gambon dies at 82

Sir Michael Gambon, a well-known Hollywood actor, passed away peacefully at the age of 82, according to his family.

He is most recognized for his role as Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts, in the Harry Potter movies.

Along with Laurence Olivier, Sir Michael began his playing career more than 60 years ago, and the two were founding members of the Royal National Theatre.

He also starred in the BBC series The Singing Detective and as French detective Jules Maigret in the ITV series Maigret.

A statement issued on behalf of Lady Gambon and son Fergus Gambon 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.”

In his six-decade-long career, Sir Michael was a decorated and successful actor on both the stage and the big screen, taking home Oliviers, BAFTAs, and Emmys.

In 1962, he made his acting debut in a Dublin production of Othello. He soon joined the National Theatre in London and later performed on stages around the UK, in New York, and in Germany.

His debut in 1965 was Othello, and he went on to star in a number of well-known films, including Gosford Park, Sleepy Hollow, and the Paddington movies.

However, it was the Harry Potter movies, in which he took Richard Harris’ position as Albus Dumbledore in the third installment, that extensively popularized Sir Michael on contemporary screens.