Actor Sir Michael Gambon, who brought the eccentric, benevolent wizard Dumbledore to life in numerous Harry Potter films, has died peacefully in hospital aged 82, his family has said.
Gambon played the magical character in six of the eight films in the franchise, and also won four TV Baftas over the course of his five-decade career.
He is also known for playing French detective Jules Maigret in ITV’s Maigret, and for starring in the BBC’s The Singing Detective.
A statement issued on behalf of his wife, Lady Anne Gambon, and son Fergus Gambon said: “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.”
Harry Potter author JK Rowling called Gambon an “outstanding actor” and “a wonderful man” while Hermione Granger star Emma Watson thanked him for “showing us what it looks like to wear greatness lightly”.