Dame Maggie Smith and Sir Michael Gambon will always be remembered for their iconic roles in the “Harry Potter” movies. As Professor Minerva McGonagall and Headmaster Albus Dumbledore at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, their performances captivated audiences in six of the eight films.
But their connection goes beyond the wizarding world. In a strange twist of fate, Smith passed away exactly one year after Gambon. Smith, 89, died on Friday, September 27, while Gambon passed away at 82 the previous year.
Smith’s death was confirmed by her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin. In a statement, they said, “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in the hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September. An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
While the cause of Smith’s death remains unknown, she was open about her struggles with Graves’ disease and breast cancer. Gambon’s death was announced by his family who described him as their “beloved husband and father.” They added that he died peacefully in the hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus by his side, following a battle with pneumonia.
Both Smith and Gambon had extraordinary careers. Smith’s work spanned seven decades and earned her numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, four Golden Globes, four Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award. Apart from her remarkable portrayal of Professor McGonagall, Smith was also adored as the Dowager Countess of Grantham, Violet Crawley, in the popular TV series “Downton Abbey.” She left an indelible mark on the film industry through her performances in movies like “Sister Act,” “Gosford Park,” and “The First Wives Club.”
Her ability to convey both softness and severity with equal skill caught the attention of Christopher Columbus, the director of the first two “Harry Potter” movies. Columbus described Smith as “someone you were intimidated by but someone who had a real sense of warmth and heart.” It was this perfect balance that made her the ideal choice for McGonagall.
Smith and Gambon will forever be remembered for their incredible talent and the magic they brought to the screen. Their untimely deaths have left a void in the hearts of both their families and fans around the world. As we bid farewell to these legendary actors, we celebrate their extraordinary contributions to the world of entertainment.
