The family of British actor Sir Michael Gambon, known for his portrayal of Albus Dumbledore in the movie adaptations of JK Rowling's Harry Potter series, has announced his death Thursday (September 28) at the age of 82.
The BBC reported that the four-time BAFTA award-winning actor has worked on TV, film, theater, and radio for over six decades.
According to his publicist, Clair Dobbs, Gambon died "peacefully in hospital" following a bout of pneumonia with his wife Anne and son Fergus.
Dobbs added that the family appreciates the messages of condolences from everyone who appreciated him and asked the public to respect their privacy.
Aside from his current family, he was also survived by two more sons he shared with set designer Philippa Hart.
Read Also : 'Harry Potter' Publishing CEO Adrienne Vaughan Dies in 'Horror' Speed Boat Accident in Italy
About Michael Gambon
Gambon was born in Dublin in 1940 and made his first acting stint in the local production of Shakespeare's play "Othello" in 1962.
However, his big break happened when he became one of the original members of Laurence Olivier's National Theatre acting company in London and eventually won three Olivier awards for performances in National Theatre productions.
His most memorable role was when he replaced Richard Harris as Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series after Harris died in 2003. His Hogwarts colleague Fiona Shaw, who played Petunia Dursley in the films, previously told the BBC Gambon was a "brilliant, magnificent trickster" of an actor.
Aside from the Hogwarts franchise, he also played the role of King George V in "The King's Speech."
Gambon was also nominated for a Tony for a role in the David Hare play Skylight.
Despite the fame, Gambon was a man who would rather avoid the limelight outside his job, the BBC added.
