Renowned actor Michael Gambon, famous for his portrayal of Albus Dumbledore in most of the "Harry Potter" films, passed away at the age of 82 after battling pneumonia, as confirmed by a statement issued on behalf of his family.

The statement, shared by his publicist Clair Dobbs, expressed the family's grief at "the loss of Sir Michael Gambon," describing him as a beloved husband and father. He peacefully passed away in the hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus by his side.

Gambon, celebrated for his extensive body of work spanning television, film, and radio, also gained fame for his role as the psoriasis-afflicted detective in the 1980s hit series "The Singing Detective."

Born in Cabra, Dublin, Gambon relocated to London during his childhood. Growing up in an Irish immigrant community in Camden, his first job was as an apprentice toolmaker. He developed lifelong passions for collecting antique guns, clocks, and classic cars.

Although Gambon initially apprenticed as a toolmaker, he pursued his acting dreams by studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and making his professional stage debut in Dublin's Gate Theatre production of "Othello" in 1962. His talent soon caught the attention of Laurence Olivier, leading to his involvement in the newly-formed National Theatre Company.

However, it was in the 1980s that Gambon rose to stardom, thanks to his role as Philip Marlow in the 1986 Anglo-American television mini-series "The Singing Detective." In 1990, he was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), followed by a Knighthood (Knight Bachelor) in 1998 for his remarkable contributions to drama.

Nevertheless, Michael Gambon's most iconic role was that of Albus Dumbledore in the "Harry Potter" film series. He took on this role in 2002 following the passing of Richard Harris, and he portrayed Dumbledore in six of the eight "Harry Potter" films.

Fellow "Harry Potter" cast members, including Rupert Grint and James Phelps, paid heartfelt tributes to Gambon on social media. Rupert Grint remembered him as a role model, while Phelps called him a legend on and off the camera. Fiona Shaw, who played Petunia Dursley in the "Harry Potter" films, praised Gambon's varied career and described him as a brilliant trickster.

Michael Gambon's contributions to the world of acting were further celebrated by fellow actors like Helen Mirren, who remembered him as "naughty but very, very funny." Mirren also emphasized Gambon's instinctive acting and extraordinary impact on the British theater landscape.

Throughout his career, Michael Gambon received multiple Best Actor awards at the British Academy Television Awards (BAFTAs) and earned two Emmy award nominations. His passing marks the end of a remarkable era in British and global entertainment.