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Dame Maggie Smith and Sir Michael Gambon, both towering figures in the world of theater and cinema, passed away at the ages of 89 and 82, respectively, on the same date—September 27—exactly one year apart. With careers spanning seven decades for Smith and six for Gambon, they became beloved to a new generation of fans for their roles as key figures at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter film series. Fans have noted the poignant connection between their deaths, adding an emotional weight to the loss of these two icons.
Smith, known for her portrayal of the sharp and witty Professor Minerva McGonagall, and Gambon, who stepped into the role of Albus Dumbledore in 2004 after Richard Harris’ passing, first appeared together at Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. However, their professional relationship began long before, with both actors sharing the screen in 1965’s Othello, where Smith played Desdemona and Gambon made his debut as a minor character.
While Smith gained a new legion of fans for her performance as the no-nonsense transfiguration professor and later headmistress of Hogwarts, Gambon became equally beloved in his portrayal of Dumbledore throughout the last six Harry Potter films. As per SBS News, Gambon once humorously remarked that playing Dumbledore was like playing himself, just “with a stuck-on beard and a long robe.”
Gambon’s family announced his passing on September 27, 2023, due to complications from pneumonia. In a statement shared with People, they expressed their grief: “Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside. We ask for privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love.”
On the other hand, Smith, while thankful for the iconic role of McGonagall, once revealed to the Evening Standard that she and her late co-star Alan Rickman didn’t feel challenged by their roles in the Harry Potter films, although she remained grateful for the experience of playing one of the most memorable characters in the series. Smith’s family confirmed her death on September 27, 2024, stating, “An intensely private person, she was surrounded by friends and family at the end. She leaves behind two sons and five grandchildren, who are devastated by her loss.”
The back-to-back passing of these two legends has left a deep void not only in the Harry Potter fandom but in the wider world of cinema and theater. King Charles also paid tribute to Dame Maggie Smith, referring to her as a “national treasure” and expressing his sadness at her loss. Both actors leave behind legacies that will continue to inspire and move audiences for generations to come.