Harry Potter star Sir Michael Gambon dies age 82

Harry Potter star and national treasure Sir Michael Gambon has passed away at the age of 82, his family confirm.

Sir Michael was best known for his role as Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight Harry Potter movies. He made his debut in Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban following the death of original Dumbledore actor Richard Harris.

Of course Sir Michael enjoyed a long and prolific career on stage and screen, appearing in everything from Fantastic Mr Fox and Doctor Who the The Singing Detective.

His widow and son confirmed their "beloved husband and father" died peacefully, surrounded by his family, after suffering from pneumonia.

Sir Michael won four TV BAFTAs during his career for playing French detective Jules Maigret in the ITV series Maigret, and for his starring role in the BBC's The Singing Detective. He also received a string of Oliviers and Emmys during his 60-year-long career. In 1999 he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to drama.

His movie career really began with 1989's The Cook, the Thief, his Wife & her Lover, but it was Albus Dumbledore that cemented him in the hearts and minds of a generation. As the headmaster of Hogwarts he exuded a kindness and strength that made him a joy to watch.

Tributes to Sir Michael have already begun to pour in, with thousands of fans branding the actor a "legend" on Twitter. It's a word that is, perhaps, slightly overused these days - but a more than fitting description for Sir Michael.

One fan summed up nicely: "Michael Gambon will live on in the hearts and the memories of every single person whose childhoods he lit up by his brilliant portrayal of Albus Dumbledore."

"His performance as Philip Marlowe in The Singing Detective is one of the greatest ever," added another.