Harry Potter actor Sir Michael Gambon has died age 82.
A statement on behalf of his wife Lady Gambon and son Fergus Gambon, issued by publicist Clair Dobbs, 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. Michael was 82.
“We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love.”
Sir Michael, who has won four TV Baftas, is known for his extensive back catalogue of work across TV, film, radio and theatre over a career spanning five decades.
Sir Michael was known around the world for playing the role of Dumbledore six out of eight Harry Potter movies.
He made his debut as the iconic wizard in the third movie, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, which came out in 2004.
The character of Dumbledore was originally played by the late Richard Harris in the first two films before he died in 2002.
Sir Michael Gambon enjoyed a 60-year career in acting, having also starred in The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover, Gosford Park, and A View from the Bridge.
Tributes have poured in after news of Sir Michael's death emerged.
On X – formerly known as Twitter – one person wrote: "Heartbroken. Rest in Paradise Sir Michael Gambon #SirMichaelGambon".
Another wrote: "Not Dumbledore [sad face]
"Rest in peace #SirMichaelGambon #Dumbledore."
A third wrote: "Sad news about the passing of #SirMichaelGambon. A superb actor who I'll always remember for being a wonderful successor to #RichardHarris as Dumbledore, aside from the rest of his remarkable career. Our industry's lost one of the great ones today, but the sky's earned a star.
"Sad to hear of the passing of actor #SirMichaelGambon all around actor #HarryPotter #Dumbledore," said another.
Others opted to use Dumbledore quotes from the Harry Potter series to express their grief.
"It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities Goodnight and sleep well Dumbledore #SirMichaelGambon," said one fan.
Former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson has expressed his condolences after the death of Sir Michael Gambon, recalling the actor was such a “tremendous guest” he had a corner named after him on the BBC show’s race track.
“I’m so sad to hear that Michael Gambon has died,” Clarkson tweeted.
“He was hugely amusing, and such a tremendous guest, we even named a corner after him.”
Sir Michael made his first appearance on stage in a production of Othello at the Gates Theatre, Dublin in 1962 and was knighted for his contribution to the entertainment industry in 1998.
He put in a memorable performance in the BBC’s 2015 adaptation of JK Rowling’s The Casual Vacancy and his illustrious theatre career includes appearances in Alan Ayckbourn’s The Norman Conquests, The Life Of Galileo and Nicholas Hytner’s National Theatre production of Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2.
In 2016 he appeared as Private Godfrey in the big screen adaptation of Dad’s Army, and his other film roles included period dramas such as 2010’s The King’s Speech, 2001’s Gosford Park and 2017’s Victoria & Abdul.
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