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".
Gambon, one of the finest actors of his period, was born in Cabra, Dublin, but went to London as a kid.
He was raised in Camden, England, in an Irish immigrant community, and his first work was as an apprentice toolmaker.
Gambon studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art while working as a toolmaker, and had his professional theatrical debut in "Othello" (1962) at Dublin's Gate Theatre.
He caught attention of actor Laurence Olivier, who hired him to join new National Theatre Company. 4yrs later, he joined the Birmingham Repertory Company, finally playing big roles in Shakespeare play
But Gambon will be known most for his part as Hogwarts headmaster Dumbledore in the "Harry Potter" film series, which he took on after the death of Richard Harris in 2002.
Gambon received many Best Actor prizes at the British Academy Television prizes (BAFTAs) and was nominated for two Emmys over his career.