Michael Gambon, Dumbledore in Harry Potter films, passes away

British-Irish actor Michael Gambon, best known for playing Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight Harry Potter films, passed away in hospital after contracting pneumonia, his family announced Thursday. He was 82.

“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,” his family said.

Gambon, born in Ireland, began his illustrious acting career in theatre, making his first appearance on stage in a production of Othello at the Gates Theatre in the Irish capital Dublin in 1962.

He became well known in Britain for playing a French detective in the ITV series Maigret, and for his 1986 role as Philip Marlow in screenwriter Dennis Potter's The Singing Detective.

He put in a memorable performance in the BBC's 2015 adaptation of JK Rowling's The Casual Vacancy, while his theatre credentials include appearances in Alan Ayckbourn's The Norman Conquests, The Life Of Galileo and Nicholas Hytner's National Theatre productions of Henry IV.

But he won global acclaim for his performances as Dumbledore in the wildly popular Harry Potter films, beginning with 1997's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Gambon was knighted for his contribution to the entertainment industry in 1998.

He once acknowledged not having read any of JK Rowling’s best-selling books, arguing that it was safer to follow the script rather than be too influenced by the books. That didn't prevent him from embodying the spirit of Professor Dumbledore, the powerful wizard who fought against evil to protect his students.

Devastated fans flocked to X (formerly Twitter), to pay tribute to the icon, with one writing: "Such sad news - an acting legend and so much loved. Sir Michael Gambon will be remembered for so many great roles." Another commented: "Not Dumbledore. RIP Sir Michael Gambon. Millennials are in mourning."

The actor's career spanned nearly five decades, winning four BAFTAs, two RTS Awards and an Olivier. However, he is best known by Harry Potter fans for his role as Professor Albus Dumbledore in the JK Rowling series from 2004 until 2008, taking over from original actor Richard Harris following his death.