Sir Michael Gambon, who played the role of Dumbledore in the Harry Potter film series, passed away today, Thursday, at the age of 82 after suffering from pneumonia, his family announced today.

Michael Gambon began his artistic career on the British stage and film 60 years ago with Sir Laurence Olivier, and he was very popular with younger audiences, especially as Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight Harry Potter films.

His rise to become one of the most famous actors in the world was remarkable given his humble background, as he was born in Dublin to working-class parents who encouraged him to become an engineer after he left school at the age of fifteen.

A statement on behalf of his wife, Lady Gambon, and his son Fergus Gambon, issued by publicist Claire Dobbs, said: "We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon."

"A beloved husband and father, Michael passed away peacefully in the hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus by his bedside after a bout of pneumonia. Michael was 82 years old.

"We ask that you respect our privacy during this painful time, and we thank you for the messages of support and love you are sending."

Michael married retired mathematician Mrs. Anne in 1962. Their son Fergus is a ceramics expert and works at Bonhams auction house. He also regularly appears on the antique show on BBC.

Sir Michael was a working-class boy. He was born in Dublin, his mother was a seamstress, and his father was an engineer, and the idea of working in the theater was completely foreign to him.

He left school at the age of fifteen without any qualifications, then began an apprenticeship as a toolmaker. By the age of 21, he was a qualified engineer, but he only worked in that capacity for a year before deciding to become an actor.

Sir Michael, who won four television awards, is known for his extensive body of work in television, film, radio, and theater over a career that spanned decades.

In recent years, he played the role of Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight Harry Potter films.

Speaking about it recently, he said of playing the wizard that "he doesn't really have to play anyone."

He said, "I just stick on a beard and play me, so it's not that great." I never enjoy any role; every role I play is just a different version of my personality. I'm not a character actor at all..."