Michael Gambon, Who Played Dumbledore in “Harry Potter,” Has Died At Age 82

“Harry Potter” star Michael Gambon has passed away. 

Thursday morning, his publicist released a statement on behalf of the Gambon family, confirming that he’d passed away at a hospital surrounded by his wife Anne and son Fergus. He had been battling pneumonia prior to his death. 

 “We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love,” part of the statement read. 

Most people know Gambon as Professor Dumbledore, the Hogwarts headmaster who safeguarded his students in six of the eight “Harry Potter” films. Gambon took over after the original actor in the role, Richard Harris, died in 2002. However, his career spanned over six decades. He has starred in theater productions with local groups in his hometown of Dublin, Ireland. Gambon also found success in TV shows and movies, such as “Paddington” and “The King’s Speech.”

Gambon earned multiple accolades for his work. This includes three Olivier Awards and two Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards. Additionally, he has impressively won four British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards. In 1998, he was honored as a knight for his services to drama.

“Harry Potter” frontman Daniel Radcliffe expressed his condolences to his longtime co-star. 

“Very sorry to hear about the passing of Michael Gambon. He was, on and off the camera, a legend. ‘Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light.’. -Albus Dumbledore,” he wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post.

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Rupert Grint, who portrayed Ron Weasley in the franchise, also shared kind words about Gambon on Instagram, praising him for the “warmth and mischief” he brought to the film set.

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Gambon was 82.