Sir Michael Gambon is known for having taken over the role of Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter movie franchise, following the death of Richard Harris in 2002. He played the role from 2004’s Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban until Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 in 2011. Sadly, it’s now been confirmed that Michael Gambon has died at age 82.
As shared via NBC, Gambon’s family announced his death in a statement on Thursday. “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon,” the statement begins, issued via publicist Clair Dobbs on his behalf of his wife, Anne, and son, Fergus.
Gambon is said to have “died peacefully in hospital,” the statement adds, revealing that the late actor suffered from pneumonia:
“We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love,” the statement concluded.
The 82-year-old actor, having been born in Dublin, Ireland in 1940, led a brilliant film and stage career throughout his life. In addition to the Harry Potter film franchise, he was involved with such hits as The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover from 1989, Tim Burton‘s Sleepy Hollow in 1999, and Gosford Park in 2001. He also began collaborating with beloved filmmaker Wes Anderson for 2004’s The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou and 2009’s Fantastic Mr. Fox. Additionally, his television work included 1986’s The Singing Detective, 1999’s Wives and Daughters, and 2001’s Perfect Strangers.
His work led to a number of awards, including three Olivier Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and four BAFTA Awards. He also received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for 2002’s Path to War and 2009’s Emma. In 2017, he was given the Irish Film & Television Academy Lifetime Award. By 2020, he was listed No. 27 by The Irish Times’ list for Ireland’s greatest film actors.
Overall, he’s led quite the life over the years, and he will certainly be missed.