Irish actor Michael Gambon, known for his role as Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight Harry Potter films, died last Wednesday at the age of 82 after an attack of pneumonia, the international press reported. "We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon," his family reported in a statement reproduced by the specialized site Variety. "Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia." Born in October 1940 in Dublin, Gambon attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and made his stage debut in 1962 with "Othello" at the Gate Theater in Dublin. He was in his early 40s when he impressed critics and audiences with his performance in the title role in "King Lear" at Stratford. Shortly after, he moved on to television and film.