Renowned actor Sir Michael Gambon, who famously played Professor Albus Dumbledore in six films in the “Harry Potter” franchise, has died at age 82.
His family announced his death on Thursday. In a statement that stated he died following a battle with pneumonia.Clair Dobbs, his publicist, released the statement, which read as follows:
“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.”
A one-in-a-generation talent, Michael Gambon was born in Cabra, Dublin, and moved to London as a child. He spent most of his childhood in an Irish immigrant community in Camden and eventually became an apprentice toolmaker. While apprenticing, he developed a passion for antique clocks, classic cars, and guns that lasted a lifetime.
His first acting job was as an original member of the Royal National Theatre in London. Gambon eventually starred in several Shakespeare plays during his career. Then, in 1990, the Queen appointed him Commander of the Order of the British Empire. In 1998, he became a Knight Bachelor for his services to drama.
Although Gambon starred in several productions throughout his career. He will be best remembered for his role as Hogwarts’ headmaster, Dumbledore, in the “Harry Potter” film franchise. A role he assumed following Richard Harris’s death in 2002.