Harry Potter star Sir Michael Gambon has died

It is with great sorrow that we inform you of the demise of Sir Michael Gambon, a renowned actor widely recognized for his portrayal of Harry Potter.

In accordance with a statement issued by the family, we are deeply saddened to announce this loss. Sir Michael Gambon passed away in a serene hospital setting, accompanied by his beloved wife Anne and son Fergus, after succumbing to a bout of pneumonia.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sir Michael Gambon, a distinguished actor whose illustrious career spanned from his early days at Laurence Olivier's National Theatre to his notable performances in The Singing Detective and the Harry Potter films. Sir Michael Gambon, aged 82, peacefully passed away in the hospital, surrounded by his wife, Lady Gambon, and son, Fergus, after battling pneumonia.

In a statement released by publicist Clair Dobbs on behalf of Lady Gambon and Fergus, they express their devastation at the loss of their beloved husband and father. They kindly request privacy during this difficult time and express their gratitude for the outpouring of support and love they have received.

Michael Gambon as Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films. Pic: Warner Bros

Sir Michael Gambon is widely recognized for his portrayal of Hogwarts headmaster Dumbledore in several of the Harry Potter films. With a career spanning over 60 years, Sir Michael was a founding member of the esteemed Royal National Theatre, sharing the stage with the legendary Laurence Olivier.

In addition to his iconic role as Dumbledore, Sir Michael showcased his versatility by portraying French detective Jules Maigret in the ITV series Maigret, and captivating audiences in the BBC series, The Singing Detective.

It is with great sadness that we convey the heartbreaking news of Sir Michael Gambon's passing, as expressed in a statement on behalf of Lady Gambon and their son, Fergus Gambon.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sir Michael, a beloved husband and father. He passed away peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus by his side, after succumbing to pneumonia.

Sir Michael was a highly decorated and accomplished star of both stage and screen, having won numerous prestigious awards including Oliviers, BAFTAs, and Emmys throughout his illustrious six-decade-long career. His acting journey began with his debut performance in a production of Othello in Dublin in 1962, which led to him joining the National Theatre in London and subsequently performing on stages across the UK, New York, and Germany.

Sir Michael's first foray into film was also in Othello in 1965, and he went on to star in beloved movies such as Gosford Park, Sleepy Hollow, and the Paddington films.

However, it was his portrayal of Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter film franchise that introduced him to modern audiences on a wider scale, taking over the role from Richard Harris in the third installment. In recent times, Sir Michael Gambon made appearances in Sky Atlantic's Fortitude and the biographical film centered around Judy Garland. In addition to his notable achievements in the realm of theater and film, he lent his voice to the character of The Prophet in the Elder Scrolls video games.

Renowned former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson was among the first to express his condolences for the actor's passing, conveying his sorrow on X, formerly known as Twitter: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the demise of Michael Gambon. He possessed an immense sense of humor and was an exceptional guest, to the extent that we even dedicated a corner in his honor."