'Harry Potter' Actor Michael Gambon Dead at 82

Sir Michael Gambon, who so famously portrayed Albus Dumbledore in the majority of the Harry Potter films, has died. He was 82.

His family confirmed the news in a statement to the Associated Press, sharing that he passed away as the result of “a bout of pneumonia.”

“We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon," the statement, formally issued by Gambon's publicist, read. "Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside,” his family said.

Gambon, who was knighted for services to drama in 1998, replaced Richard Harris as the headmaster of Hogwarts after the original actor passed away of Hodgkin's lymphoma in Aug. 2002. Gambon stepped into the role for the third film in the franchise, despite never having read any of the beloved—and now controversial—book series.

He got his start in Irish theater, debuting in a Dublin production of Othello before making his big break in the National Theatre Company’s opening production of Hamlet in 1963, directed by Laurence Olivier.

Throughout his illustrious career, he'd go on to win the Laurence Olivier Award thrice, as well as two Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards.

He eventually made a name for himself in British television and film, earning four British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards, before rising to a new height of international fame thanks to Harry Potter.

He is survived by Anne and Fergus, as well as sons Tom and Will, whom he shared with Philippa Hart.

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