Michael Gambon, Harry Potter’s Dumbledore, Dies at 82

Sir Michael Gambon CBE, the actor who played Dumbledore from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban until Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, has passed away. He was 82 years old.

The prolific actor passed away after a “bout with pneumonia,” according to a statement released by his publicist, Clair Dobbs. The statement was released on behalf of Gambon’s family.

Michael Gambon Dies at 82

“Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia,” the statement reads, according to a report by CNN.

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

The official Harry Potter X (formerly Twitter) account has released a statement regarding Gambon’s death. You can read it below:

We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Michael Gambon. He brought immeasurable joy to Harry Potter fans from all over the world with his humour, kindness and grace. We will forever hold his memory in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/1CoTF3zeTo

— Harry Potter (@harrypotter) September 28, 2023

Harry Potter’s Dumbledore

To the mainstream audience all around the world, Gambon is best known for his role as Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films. The actor replaced the original Dumbledore, Richard Harris, after the latter’s death in 2002.

As previously mentioned, he played the role of the Hogwarts headmaster from the third film all the way to the last and eighth film in the franchise.

James Phelps, who played Fred Weasley in the film series, has already shared his thoughts on his co-star’s passing.

“Very sorry to hear about the passing of Michael Gambon,” he says in a tweet posted on his personal X account. “He was, on and off the camera, a legend.”

The tweet likewise includes a story from Phelps about the late actor, which you can read below:

Very sorry to hear about the passing of Michael Gambon. He was, on and off the camera, a legend. Just a little memory of Michael pic.twitter.com/4M6E6inWMy

— James Phelps (@James_Phelps) September 28, 2023

However, Gambon’s colorful career goes beyond the Harry Potter films. In fact, he has done extensive work not just in film, but in television, radio, and theater as well. He is likewise one of the original members of the Royal National Theatre.

His career spans six decades, which has earned him numerous accolades. Gambon received three Olivier Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and four BAFTA Awards. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1999 for his services to drama.