British actor, Michael Gambo, best known for playing ‘Prof. Albus Dumbledore’ in most of the “Harry Potter” movies, has died at the age of 82 following a brief struggle with pneumonia. 

His death, revealed via a statement issued by his publicist Clair Dobbs, on behalf of the family, read; “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, 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.”

The actor was born in Cabra, Dublin but later moved to London in his early years. Growing up as an Irish immigrant, Gambon got his first job as an apprentice tool maker. 

Despite his move to London, he made his first stage performance in Ireland on the production of Othello in Dublin 1962. His remarkable portrayal of his character in “Othello” was met with approval by actor Laurence Olivier and earned him a spot in the then newly-formed National Theatre Company. In the coming years, he played roles in the famous Shakespearean plays. 

His sensational career kicked off in the early 1980s after playing the character ‘Philip Marlow’ in the widely acclaimed 1986 Anglo-American public television mini-series “The Singing Detective.”

In the course of his career, Gambon accomplished an extensive catalogue of work in film, television and theatre, winning multiple Best Actor awards at the British Academy Television Awards (BAFTAs) and was nominated for two Emmy awards.