Michael Gambon, the veteran Irish-English actor of stage and screen known internationally for his role as Professor Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight Harry Potter films, died Thursday in hospital after a bout of pneumonia. He was 82.
A statement issued by the actor’s publicist Clair Dobbs said, “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon.”
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“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.”
In recent years, Gambon was best known internationally for the role of Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films, which he played from 2004-11 after replacing the late Richard Harris.
The Dublin-born Gambon began his acting career with Laurence Olivier as an original member of the Royal National Theatre.
He appeared in numerous Shakespeare productions, taking on classic roles such as Othello, Hamlet, Macbeth and Coriolanus.
He was nominated for 13 Olivier Awards, winning three times for A Chorus of Disapproval (1985), A View from the Bridge (1987) and Man of the Moment (1990).
He made his Broadway debut in 1997 in David Hare’s Skylight, for which he was nominated for a Best Actor Tony Award.
Over his 60-year career, Gambon received three Oliviers, two SAG Awards, and four BAFTA Awards. He was knighted in 1999 for his services to drama.
His other feature film credits included The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover, The Wings of the Dove, Gosford Park, The King’s Speech and The Life Aquatic.
The actor’s many TV credits include The Singing Detective, Perfect Strangers, Path To War and Emma.
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