Actor Michael Gambon, who played Dumbledore in 'Harry Potter', dies at 82

Actor Michael Gambon arrives for the premiere of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" in New York, July 9, 2009. British-Irish actor Michael Gambon, best known to global audiences for playing the wise professor Albus Dumbledore in the 'Harry Potter' movie franchise, died aged 82 on Thursday.— Photo: Reuters

British-Irish actor Michael Gambon, best known to global audiences for playing the wise professor Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter movie franchise and whose career was launched by his mentor Laurence Olivier, died aged 82 on Thursday.

He died peacefully in hospital, PA Media reported citing a family statement.