Michael Gambon, 2016
Photo: Dave J Hogan. All rights reserved.
Irish-British actor Michael Gambon is dead. This was confirmed by his publicist on Thursday (September 28). Gambon died of pneumonia in hospital at the age of 82.
The actor became known for his role as Professor Albus Dumbledore in the fantasy franchise “Harry Potter”. After Richard Harris, who played the character in the first two films, died in 2002, Gambon took over the role in Prisoner of Azkaban and all subsequent films.
At the time of his death, his wife Anne and their son Fergus were at his side. “We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Sir Michael Gambon,” his family said in a statement to the press. “We ask that you respect our privacy during this painful time and thank you for your supportive and loving messages.”
In addition to his work on the “Harry Potter” films, the actor can also be seen as Arthur in “Kingsman: The Golden Circle.” In Wes Anderson’s “Fantastic Mr. Fox” he lent his voice to the antagonist Franklin Bean.