Michael Gambon, known as Dumbledore in Harry Potter, dies at 82

WASHINGTON (TND) — Actor Michael Gambon, known for playing Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films, has died. He was 82.

His publicist issued a statement on behalf of his wife Lady Gambon and son Fergus Gambon.

"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, following a bout of pneumonia," his family said.

Gambon was born in Dublin on Oct. 19, 1940, and worked in television, film, theater and radio over his five-decade career.

Although he was well known for his starring role in Harry Potter, he played many other roles including French detective Jules Maigret in the ITV series Maigret and Philip Marlow in Dennis Potter's The Singing Detective on BBC.

He took over as the headmaster of Hogwarts in the second film, "Chamber of Secrets," following the death of Richard Harris who was the original actor.

Gambon's acting achievements earned him four BAFTAs and two RTS Awards.

He was knighted for his services in entertainment in 1998.

In 2015, Gambon retired from the stage after struggling to remember lines in front of an audience.