Veteran actor Michael Gambon, best known for playing Albus Dumbledore in most of the “Harry Potter” movies, has died at 82 following a “bout of pneumonia,” according to a statement issued on behalf of his family.
He was known for his extensive catalogue of work across TV, film and radio, with one of his biggest roles as the psoriasis-ridden sleuth Philip Marlow in the 1980s hit BBC series “The Singing Detective.” He won the BAFTA for best actor for the role.
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> Gambon was cast as Dumbledore for six of the eight “Harry Potter” films following the death of Richard Harris in 2002.
> He was born in Cabra, Dublin, but moved to London as a child.
> He grew up in an Irish immigrant community in Camden and his first job was as an apprentice toolmaker.
> He was knighted for services to drama in 1998.
> He developed a passion for antique guns, clocks and classic cars that lasted a lifetime.