Michael Gambon, veteran actor who played Dumbledore in 'Harry Potter,' dies at 82

LONDON — Veteran actor Michael Gambon, who was known to many for his portrayal of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight "Harry Potter" films, has died, his publicist said Thursday. He was 82.

A statement by his family, issued by his publicist, said he died following "a bout of pneumonia."

"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.

The Irish actor was cast as the much-loved Dumbledore after the death of his predecessor, Richard Harris, in 2002. Gambon started his role as the magical mentor in 2004 with the movie "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" through the final film, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2."

No matter what role he took on in a career that lasted more than five decades, Gambon was always instantly recognizable by the deep and drawling tones of his voice.

Gambon got his start in theater as one of the original members of the Royal National Theatre in London. His first major role was as the lead in "The Life of Galileo" in 1980. He went on to star in many productions of William Shakespeare's work and earned three Olivier Awards for his acting in London's theater scene. Gambon later made his debut on Broadway in 1997.

The prestigious actor made his film debut in 1965 "Othello," based on the Shakespeare play of the same name. Other prominent roles include "The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover," "The Insider," "Fantastic Mr. Fox," and "The King's Speech," for which he won a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2011

Gambon's success was just as noteworthy in television. He won four BAFTA Awards for best actor for his roles in 1986's "The Singing Detective," "Wives and Daughters" in 1999, "Longitude" in 2000 and "Perfect Strangers" in 2001. The actor also earned two Primetime Emmy Award nominations.

In 2017, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Irish Film & Television Academy.