Beloved “Harry Potter” actor Sir Michael Gambon has died at the age of 82.
The Irish star was best known for portraying Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight “Harry Potter” films. His publicist, Clair Dobbs, issued a statement announcing his passing.
“We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon,” the statement said, per PA Media.
“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.”
Gambon was a working actor for more than six decades and was known for his voice’s deep, recognizable tones. He was cast as Dumbledore in the “Harry Potter” movies after the death of Richard Harris in 2002.
The actor said he didn’t read any of J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” books because he didn’t want them to influence his performance, preferring to stick to the script instead.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILY WIRE APP
Though Gambon was internationally known for playing such an important role in “Harry Potter,” that was not the full extent of his skills. The performer also starred in TV, theater, and radio projects. He gravitated toward Shakespearean plays, appearing in “Othello,” “Hamlet,” “Macbeth,” and “Coriolanus.” Gambon also worked on dozens of films, including “Gosford Park,” “The King’s Speech,” and “Paddington.”
The actor was knighted for services to drama in 1998. He also received three Olivier Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and four BAFTA Awards.
Gambon retired from acting in 2015 after having trouble remembering his lines. He told Sunday Times magazine at the time, “It’s a horrible thing to admit but I can’t do it. It breaks my heart. It’s when the script’s in front of me and it takes forever to learn. It’s frightening.”
The actor was married to Anne Miller since 1962 and had a son, Fergus, with her. Gambon was notoriously private about his home life, but an affair he had with Philippa Hart went public. He eventually moved out of the home he shared with his wife. Gambon and Miller never divorced. His mistress, who was 25 years younger, gave birth to two of his children in 2007 and 2009.