The British stage and screen actor Michael Gambon has died. He was 82.

Over his six-decade-long career, he received three Olivier Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and four BAFTA Awards. In 1998, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to drama.

A statement issued by publicist Clair Dobbs on behalf of Gambon’s family read: “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon. Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia. Michael was 82. We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love.”

One of the acknowledged greats of his generation of actors, Gambon graced many productions of works by William Shakespeare including Othello, Hamlet, Macbeth and Coriolanus. He made his film debut in Othello (1965) but came to prominence in Peter Greenaway’s art house hit The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989). He also featured in films including Gosford Park (2001), The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004) and The King’s Speech (2010). He became an international star thanks to his recurring role as Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter film series...