The Harry Potter family has lost another beloved member.
Sir Michael Gambon, who stepped into the role of Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter franchise in 2004, has died at the age of 82.
“Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia,” his rep confirmed in a statement obtained by NBC News Sept. 28. “We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love.”
Gambon, a renowned Irish actor who was cast as Dumbledore in Harry Potter after actor Richard Harris‘ passing, was also an icon of the stage, winning three Olivier Awards throughout his career and earning a 1997 Tony nomination for his work in Skylight.
Back in 2015, after decades on the stage, Gambon, then 74, revealed that he had to retire from theater due to memory loss.
“It’s a horrible thing to admit, but I can’t do it. It breaks my heart,” he told The Sunday Times (via ABC News). “It’s when the script’s in front of me and it takes me forever to learn it. It’s frightening.”
