Irish actor Sir Michael Gambon has died aged 82

Iconic Irish actor Sir Michael Gambon has died peacefully in hospital aged 82, according to his family.

Beloved for his role as Dumbledore in the Harry Potter film series, Gambon began his lengthy acting career more than 60 years ago, and was one of the original members of the Royal National Theatre alongside Laurence Olivier.

Born in Cabra in 1940, the highly respected actor and renowned thespian, was proud of his Irish roots, assuming the role of Dumbledore after the death of fellow Irishman, Richard Harris.

He made his theatre debut in Dublin in 1962, with a role in Othello at the Gate Theatre, and returned several times since, including a 2010 run in a production of Samuel Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape.

The actor also starred as Hamm in a filmed theatre production of Beckett's play Endgame, directed by Irish theatremaker Conor McPherson. Dubbed the "great gambon" by the late Sir Ralph Richardson, the actor recently appeared in Sky Atlantic's Fortitude and a biopic about Judy Garland.

Of his Harry Potter role, the late actor said: “I’d never seen any of the previous films, but working on the series was huge fun — and for lots of dosh.”

We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Michael Gambon. He brought immeasurable joy to Harry Potter fans from all over the world with his humour, kindness and grace. We will forever hold his memory in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/1CoTF3zeTo

— Harry Potter (@harrypotter) September 28, 2023

Tributes for Gambon poured in from the actor's close friends and admirers this afternoon:

I’m so sad to hear that Michael Gambon has died. He was hugely amusing, and such a tremendous guest, we even named a corner after him.

— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) September 28, 2023

First time I ever went to see any Theatre with a capital T it was Michael Gambon in Brecht’s Life Of Galileo at The National in 1980. It’s still the best stage acting I’ve ever seen. RIP. pic.twitter.com/ascXcf14m7

— David Baddiel (@Baddiel) September 28, 2023

"We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon," read an announcement made by the actor's loved ones.

"Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia."

“We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love.”