He was a classically trained actor, who made a new generation of fans when he took over the role of Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight “Harry Potter” films.

Sir Michael Gambon, knighted for his long and storied career on the stage and screen, has died at the age of 82.

Gambon was considered one of Britain’s leading actors with a career in TV, theatre, film and radio that spanned more than half a century.

A statement from his family says Sir Michael died following a bout of pneumonia.

Harry Potter author JK Rowling described Sir Michael as a “wonderful man and an outstanding actor.”

Daniel Radcliffe, who played “Harry Potter,” said that with Sir Michael’s death the world has became considerably less fun.

There was also a touching tribute from the son of Richard Harris, who had played Dumbledore in the first two “Potter” films and died in 2002.

Jared Harris wrote: “He took over Dumbledore from my father, which was fitting as he overtook Marlon Brando as my father’s favourite actor.”