The Harry Potter star who played Dumbledore made his film debut in the Laurence Olivier Othello in 1965.
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Born in Dublin, Ireland in 1940, he first qualified as an engineer and toolmaker before discovering acting.
Aged 24, he began his professional career on the stage, featuring in Shakespeare productions like Othello and Richard III.
He quickly rose to fame thanks to his distinctive booming voice and powerful presence on both stage and screen.
But he was best known for playing Hogwarts’ headmaster Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series between 2004 and 2011, replacing the late Richard Harris.
His first appearance in the J.K. Rowling franchise came in The Prisoner of Azkaban before appearing in four more instalments.
Elsewhere, he starred in blockbusters Gosford Park (2001), Ali G Indahouse (2002), Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) and The King’s Speech (2010).
The qualified pilot later appeared in BBC TV hits like Perfect Strangers and Emma.
He is also remembered for his hair-raising lap of the Top Gear test track where he went round the last corner on two wheels.
The corner was later named “Gambon” in tribute to the infamous Star in the reasonably priced car.
Throughout his career the actor would regularly appear in Shakespeare productions with the National Theatre – delighting audiences up and down the country.
The 82-year-old won four BAFTA’s for his TV work, three Oliver Awards and two Screen Actors Guild Award’s.
In 1998 he was knighted in The Queen’s New Years’ Honours for services to drama.
Sir Michael Gambon is survived by wife Anne Miller and his three children.
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.
“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.”