Rupert Grint pays tribute to Harry Potter actor Michael Gambon after his death

Harry Potter star Rupert Grint has paid tribute to his late co-star Michael Gambon, who has died at the age of 82.

Earlier today, it was announced that Sir Michael Gambon - best known for playing headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films - had died at the age of 82.

Gambon died 'peacefully' in hospital after suffering pneumonia, his family confirmed.

A statement on behalf of his wife Lady Gambon and son Fergus Gambon, issued by publicist Clair Dobbs, said: “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon.

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“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.

“We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love.”

Gambon, who has won four TV BAFTAs, three Olivier Awards and two Screen Actors Guild Awards, had a successful career spanning five decades across TV, film, radio and theatre.

But he is arguably most famous for starring as Professor Dumbledore in the Harry Potter franchise - a role that was previously played by Richard Harris, who'd featured in the first two films before his death in 2002, at which point Gambon took over for the remaining six instalments.

And in the wake of his death, his former co-stars have paid tribute to the late actor, with Rupert Grint writing on Instagram: "So sad to hear about Michael. He brought so much warmth and mischief to every day on set.

"He captivated me as a kid and became a personal role model of mine for finding the fun and eccentricities in life. Sending all my love to his family, Rupert."

His sweet message was accompanied by a still of Gambon as Dumbledore.

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James Phelps - who played Fred Weasley - also posted on social media to say Gambon had once helped him prepare for a role when in between scenes on set, while the official Harry Potter Twitter account said Gambon brought ‘immeasurable joy’ to fans all over the world with his ‘humour, kindness and grace’.

Jared Harris, the son of Gambon’s predecessor, Richard Harris, also responded to the sad news by taking to Twitter.

Retweeting a ‘hilarious’ clip of Gambon being interviewed on Top Gear, in which he admitted he ‘hated’ interviews, Harris said: “Hilarious! A brilliant actor. I saw him on stage several times, and he lives unforgettably in my memory.

“He took over Dumbledore from my father, which was fitting as he over took Brando as my father’s favourite actor.”