Sir Michael Gambon, who rose through Laurence Olivier's fledgling National Theatre to roles in TV show 'The Singing Detective' and the 'Harry Potter' films, passed away at the age of 82. The actor has received a tonne of affection from fans for playing Albus Dumbledore in all of the Harry Potter films.
A statement on behalf of his wife Lady Gambon and son Fergus, issued by publicist Clair Dobbs, stated “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.”
After acting in Peter Greenaway's The Cook, the Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover (1989), Gambon gained notoriety in films including 'Sleepy Hollow', 'The Insider', and 'Gosford Park'. Then, donning a flowing beard and a tassel hat, he played Harry Potter's professor Albus Dumbledore in many blockbusters, succeeding Richard Harris in the role after his death in 2002. He provided his deep voice to many films, including both Paddington flicks as Uncle Pastuzo and the Coen brothers' Hail, Caesar!