Sir Michael Gambon, Irish-born British stage and film actor, known for his role as Dumbledore in Harry Potter movies, died. He was 82 years old.
Gambon died “peacefully” at a hospital late Wednesday night, his rep confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE issued on behalf of his wife, Lady Gambon, and son, Fergus.
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“We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon,” began the statement shared on Thursday. “A 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 years old.”
The statement concluded: “We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love.”
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In addition to a celebrated career in theater and television, Gambon — who was born in Cabra, Dublin, Ireland in 1940 — had memorable roles in films such as 1992’s toysin 1999 Sleepy Hollowin 2001 Gosford Park and the 2010s The King’s Speechin which he played King George V and was among the cast that won a SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.
He has also been nominated for two Emmy Awards and won four BAFTA Awards. In 2012, Gambon received the Richard Harris Award from the British Independent Film Awards, an honor which recognizes an actor who has made a significant contribution to British film throughout his career. In 1998, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth.
The actor found his most famous role in Potter franchise, when he took on the role of Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore in 2004. Prisoner of Azkaban after the death of Richard Harris in October 2002, Harris played Dumbledore in the first two films of the series.
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In 2009, Gambon spoke to The Associated Press about not realizing the impact of the fantasy franchise when he agreed to play Dumbledore and coming to appreciate Potter legacy.
“They called me and said, ‘Are you going to do it?’ Like any other business, I said, ‘Sure.’ Then you find yourself in the middle of this thing,” he said, adding, “I’ve played a lot of tricksters and assassins, and it’s quite interesting. Then Dumbledore is the complete opposite, isn’t he? He’s a nice old man.”
“This will be a happy memory, being with something for so long and the world’s love for her. That’s never forgotten,” Gambon said.
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Speaking to The Guardian in 2014, Gambon spoke about acting, specifically about how he gets teary-eyed during an emotional scene.
“Just do it. It’s acting,” he said at the time. “But I admit I’m trying to conjure up a powerful image. The one I often think about is that little girl in uniform, taken during the Vietnam War, with her clothes and body on fire from an aerial bomb. I believe she’s recovered and is now a doctor, which makes me feel that no I’m taking advantage of someone else’s tragedy.”
Gambon is survived by his wife, Lady Gambon and son Fergus, as well as two children, Will and Tom, with Philippa Hart.
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