Sir Michael Gambon dies, aged 82

Acclaimed actor Sir Michael Gambon has died, aged 82, it has been confirmed. He died in hospital after contracting pneumonia.

He was best-known for playing Albus Dumbledore in all but two of the Harry Potter film series – as well as countless other titles across film and television including the part of a a psychotic mob leader in Peter Greenaway’s The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989), and King George V in Oscar-winning drama The King’s Speech in 2010.

A statement issued on behalf of his family said: “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.”

Gambon began his career on stage as one of the original members of the Royal National Theatre, frequently appearing alongside theatre titan Laurence Olivier. He went on to enjoy six decades of success in the industry, winning three Olivier Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and four BAFTAs.

It wasn’t until he replaced the late Richard Harris as wizard and Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the Potter movies that he became a widely recognisable mainstream name though. He appeared in six of the eight instalments, beginning with Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban in 2004.

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