What did Michael Gambon died of? The actor died “peacefully” in the hospital following a “bout of pneumonia,” his representative confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE Sir Michael Gambon, the Irish-born British actor of the stage and screen known for playing Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films, has died. He was 82 years old. Gambon died “peacefully” in the hospital late Wednesday evening, his representative confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE issued on behalf of his wife Lady Gambon and son Fergus. “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon,” the statement shared on Thursday began. “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.” The statement concluded, “We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love.” In addition to a celebrated career in theater and on television, Gambon — who was born in Cabra in Dublin, Ireland in 1940 — had memorable roles in movies like 1992’s Toys, 1999’s Sleepy Hollow, 2001’s Gosford Park and 2010’s The King’s Speech, in which he played King George V and was among the cast that won the SAG Award for outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture. He was also twice nominated for Emmy Awards, and he won four BAFTA Awards. In 2012, Gambon received the Richard Harris Award from the British Independent Film Awards, an honor that acknowledges an actor who has, during the course of their career, contributed significantly to British film. In 1998, he received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth. The actor found his most widely-known role in the Potter franchise, when he took over the part of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in 2004’s Prisoner of Azkaban after the death of Richard Harris in October 2002. Harris played Dumbledore in the series’ first two films.