Michael Gambon, actor who played Dumbledor in 'Harry Potter,' dies at age 82

Actor Michael Gambon, known for his role as Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight "Harry Potter" movies, passed away following a battle with pneumonia, his family said Thursday. He was 82.

"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," his family said in a statement issued by his publicist, The Associated Press reported.

Gambon took over the role of Dumbledore starting in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" after his predecessor, Richard Harris, died in 2002. 

Gambon, who was born in Ireland, also had roles in movies such as "The King's Speech," "Fantastic Mr. Fox," and "Sleepy Hollow" over the course of his six-decade career.

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