Harry Potter star actor, Michael Gambon dies at 82

Veteran Hollywood actor, Sir Michael Gambon has reportedly passed away at the age of 82.

TopNaija understands that the actor, known for playing Hogwarts headmaster Dumbledore in Harry Potter  ovies, was confirmed by his family to have peacefully died in a hospital at 82.

Sir Michael started his playing career more than 60 years ago, and he was a founding member of the Royal National Theatre with Laurence Olivier.

He also starred in the BBC series The Singing investigator as French investigator Jules Maigret.

A statement issued on behalf of Lady Gambon and son Fergus Gambon 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 a renowned and accomplished actor of both stage and screen. He had an illustrious career spanning six decades, earning him numerous accolades such as Oliviers, BAFTAs, and Emmys.

Michael began his acting journey with a performance in Othello in Dublin in 1962.

He quickly joined the National Theatre in London and went on to perform on stages across the UK, as well as in New York and Germany. He made his film debut in Othello in 1965, and went on to star in beloved films such as Gosford Park, Sleepy Hollow, and the Paddington series.

However, it was his portrayal of Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter franchise that introduced him to modern audiences on a wide scale, taking over from Richard Harris in the third installment.