Michael Gambon, who played Dumbledore in ‘Harry Potter’ films, dies at 82

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WASHINGTON POST – Actor Michael Gambon, who played Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in six Harry Potter movies, has died, his publicist said Thursday. He was 82.

The veteran actor, born in Dublin, died following “a bout of pneumonia,” according to a statement from his family shared by his publicist.

“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,” the statement said.

Gambon’s acting career spanned more than five decades, including working in theatre with Laurence Olivier and starring in the BBC series “The Singing Detective.”

He was cast as Professor Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series after the death of his predecessor, Richard Harris, in 2002.

A file photo British actor Michael Gambon arrives in Trafalgar Square, in central London, for the world premiere of “Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 2,” the last film in the series, on July 7, 2011. PHOTO: AP