Michael Gambon, the British actor best known for playing Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight Harry Potter films, has died, his publicist said Thursday. He was 82.
A statement from his family released by his publicist said he died of “bilateral pneumonia.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Sir Michael Gambon. Beloved husband and father, Michael passed away peacefully at the hospital, with his wife Anne and son Fergus by his side,” his family said.
Throughout a career that spanned more than five decades, Gambon was always instantly recognizable by his deep, commanding voice, no matter what role he played. He was cast as the iconic Dumbledore in 2002, after his predecessor, Richard Harris, died.