Veteran actor Sir Michael Gambon, most famous for portraying the greying, long-bearded master magician principal of the fictional Hogwarts School For Magic, has passed away at the age of 82.
His publicist on Thursday said that Gambon passed away after a 'bout of pneumonia' in hospital surrounded by his family.
While his career spanned half a century, he is most known for his role as the wizard and principal in six of the eight films created on JK Rowling's magical world of Hogwarts and the boy wizard Harry Potter.
Curiously, Gambon gained entry into the iconic franchise after his predecessor, Richard Harris, passed away in 2002.
The British actor did not need the acclaim that came from the Harry Potter franchise, given he was a well-established actor in the British Isles before he came into the role. His exploits spanned radio, television and film, culminating in a knighthood in 1998.
His break in acting came, as is usually the case in England, on the stage. He landed a minor role in William Shakespeare's Hamlet, produced by the National Theatre Company, working under the legendary Laurence Olivier.
After establishing himself as one of the greats of the stage, he turned his talents to television and starred in the series "The Singing Detective" written by Dennis Potter -- he has no connection with Harry Potter.
He played King George V in the 2010 critically acclaimed movie 'The King's Speech' starring fellow British actor Colin Firth.
He finally hung up his costume in 2015 when he forgot his lines on stage due to his advancing age.
For many people growing up with the Harry Potter books and watching the movies, he will always embody the powerful wizard Albus Dumbledore.
JK Rowling, after hearing of Gambon's passing, wrote on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), that she first saw him perform in 1982.
"Michael was a wonderful man in additional to being an outstanding actor, and I absolutely loved working with him, not only on Potter but also The Casual Vacancy. My deepest condolences go to Michael's family and everyone who loved him," she said.
I've just heard the awful news about Michael Gambon. The first time I ever laid eyes on him was in King Lear, in 1982, and if you'd told me then that brilliant actor would appear in anything I'd written, I'd have thought you were insane. Michael was a wonderful man in additional…
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 28, 2023