Michael Gambon, the Irish–English actor famous for playing Professor Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight ‘Harry Potter’ films, has passed on.
A statement released by Gambon’s representatives revealed that he died on Thursday after suffering from “pneumonia”. He was 82.
“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,” the statement reads.
The family of the deceased also called for privacy as they mourn the ace actor.
Gambon was introduced as Dumbledore in Harry Potter films (2005) after Richard Harris, the previous character died in 2002.
Born in Ireland on October 19, 1940, Gambon was raised in London and originally trained as an engineer, following in the footsteps of his father.
He made his theater debut in a production of ‘Othello’ in Dublin and in 1963, he got his first big break with a minor role in ‘Hamlet’, the National Theatre Company’s opening production.
The Irish-British actor went on to win three Olivier awards for performances in National Theatre productions.
Gambon played French detective Jules Maigret in ‘Maigret’, an ITV series.
He also characterised Philip Marlow in Dennis Potter’s ‘The Singing Detective’ on the BBC.
He was twice nominated for Emmy awards for his role in ‘Emma’ in 2010, and the 2002 movie ‘Path to War.
He also got a Tony nomination in 1997 for his role as David Hare in the play ‘Skylight’.
In 1998, he was knighted for his contributions to the entertainment industry.
The Dublin-born actor worked in TV, film, theatre and radio in his six-decade career. He won four Baftas.