Michael Gambon, who played Harry Potter’s Dumbledore, dies aged 82
- Gambon began his acting on the stage in the early 1960s and later moved into TV and film, before taking up the role of Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series
- He died peacefully in hospital, PA Media reported citing a family statement
Veteran actor Michael Gambon, who was known to many for his portrayal of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight Harry Potter films, has died, his publicist said Thursday. He was 82.
A statement by his family, issued by his publicist, said he died following “a bout of pneumonia.”
“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,” his family said.
No matter what role he took on in a career that lasted more than five decades, Gambon was always instantly recognisable by the deep and drawling tones of his voice. He was cast as the much-loved Dumbledore after the death of his predecessor, Richard Harris, in 2002.
He once acknowledged not having read any of J.K. Rowling’s bestselling books, arguing that it was safer to follow the script rather than be too influenced by the books.