Harry Potter Dumbledore actor Michael Gambon dead after bout of pneumonia aged 82

Harry Potter actor Sir Michael Gambon died in hospital after a bout of pneumonia on Thursday aged 82 his family revealed.

“We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon,” a statement issued by his publicist on behalf of his wife Lady Gambon and son Fergus Gambon said.

The acting veteran played Hogwarts headmaster Dumbledore in movies three to eight.

Gambon replaced the original Dumbledore actor Richard Harris who died in 2002 aged 72 after appearing in the first two films Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and the Chamber of Secrets.

Born in Ireland in 1940, Gambon started his acting career alongside Sir Laurence Olivier at the Royal National Theatre.

Throughout his six-decade-long career he won two SAG awards and four BAFTAs.

He made his film debut in Othello and was once tipped to play James Bond.

Other career highlights include roles Gosford Park, The King’s Speech and Churchill’s Secret.

Gambon was of course most well-known and loved for playing the iconic Dumbledore though.

His performance in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is a spine-chilling standout.

Gambon’s depiction of Dumbledore’s death at the hands of Severus Snape brought fans to tears.

Big-name Harry Potter deaths

While its iconic leads Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint remain in the land of the living, in the 21 years since Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone film premiered many other favourites have passed away.

Here are some of the stars who have passed since the series premiered in 2001.

Robbie Coltrane

Coltrane played the gentle half-giant Rubeus Hagrid in all eight films.

Sadly, the actor passed away in October 2022 at 72.