(CNN) — Actor Michael Gambon, best known for playing Albus Dumbledore in most of the “Harry Potter” films, has died, according to a statement released on behalf of his family on Thursday. According to the statement, he died at the age of 82 due to an “attack of pneumonia.”
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sir Michael Gambon,” his publicist Claire Dobbs wrote in a statement, PA reported.
The statement continued: “Dear husband and father, Michael passed away peacefully in hospital following an attack of pneumonia, with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside. Michael was 82.”
He added: “We ask that you respect our privacy during this painful time and we thank you for your support and concern.”
Gambon is known for his extensive work in television, film and radio, with another of his most significant roles being as a detective suffering from psoriasis in the hit 1980s series The Singing Detective.
One of the leading actors of his generation, Gambon was born in Cabra, Dublin, but moved to London as a child. He grew up in Camden’s Irish immigrant community and his first job was as a toolmaker’s apprentice. He developed a lifelong passion for antique weapons, watches and classic cars.
British actor Michael Gambon, in a 2016 photo. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
“I’ve always been an obsessive collector,” he told The Guardian in 2004. “Richard Briers collected stamps. I collected cars and guns, which were expensive. And difficult to store.”
While learning the tools of production, Gambon studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and made his professional stage debut in a production of Othello (1962) at the Gate Theater in Dublin.
He caught the attention of actor Laurence Olivier, who hired him to join the newly formed National Theater Company. Four years later Gambon joined the Birmingham Repertory Company, eventually landing the title role in his favorite Shakespeare play.
It was not until the 1980s that Gambon became famous for his starring role as Philip Marlowe in the 1986 British and American public television miniseries The Singing Detective.
In 1990 he was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Eight years later he was knighted for services to theatre.
However, Gambon is perhaps best remembered for his role as Hogwarts Headmaster Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films, which he played after the death of Richard Harris in 2002 character of. Gambon played Dumbledore in six of the eight films in total. Harry Potter” movie.
On Thursday, James Phelps, who played Fred Weasley in the Harry Potter films, posted a tribute to Gambon on X (formerly Twitter).
“I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Michael Gambon. He was a legend both in front of and off the camera,” Phelps wrote.
“He was always funny and happy to share any knowledge he had,” added Phelps, detailing his time working with the veteran actor during the filming of the sixth Harry Potter film good memories.
Throughout his career, Gambon won multiple BAFTA Awards for Best Actor and was nominated for two Emmy Awards.