Michael Gambon, Veteran Actor Who Played Dumbledore in ‘Harry Potter’ Films, Dies at Age 82

British actor Michael Gambon arrives in Trafalgar Square, in central London, for the world premiere of "Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 2," the last film in the series on July 7, 2011. Joel Ryan/AP Photo

LONDON—Michael Gambon, the Irish-born actor knighted for his storied career on the stage and screen and who gained admiration from a new generation of moviegoers with his portrayal of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight “Harry Potter” films, has died. He was 82.

A statement by his family, issued by his publicist Thursday, said the actor died following “a bout of pneumonia.”