Harry Potter enthusiasts have recently been disturbed by the confirmation of Maggie Smith’s death, but some have discovered an eerie coincidence involving another Harry Potter actor.
On September 27, 2024, the family of Maggie Smith, renowned for her roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, announced that she had “passed away peacefully in hospital” that morning.
Fans commemorated her portrayal of Professor McGonagall, a character featured in all Harry Potter films from 2001 to 2011. Strikingly, some fans noted that her passing occurred exactly one year after the death of Michael Gambon, who famously played Albus Dumbledore.
Gambon passed away on September 27, 2023, after battling pneumonia. While other Harry Potter cast members have also passed since the film series concluded, Gambon was the latest, intensifying the poignancy of the connection to Smith.
Michael Gambon and Maggie Smith both passed away on 27th September, just one year apart 💔🪄 #HarryPotter pic.twitter.com/6R3lWbZlsV
— Anna (@Anna1206x) September 27, 2024
A fan expressed on X/Twitter, “Michael Gambon and Maggie Smith both passed away on 27th September, just one year apart.”
Another user commented, “One year ago today: Michael Gambon passed away. Today: Maggie Smith passed away. Two legendary individuals who portrayed two of our beloved Harry Potter characters.”
A third admirer added, “Maggie Smith dying one year to the day after Michael Gambon died is so heartbreaking.”
While both actors were friends off-screen and had worked together in films like the 1999 release The Last September, their characters in Harry Potter bore significant similarities.
Both Dumbledore and McGonagall served as pillars of hope at Hogwarts, illustrating that ‘good magic’ could overcome evil. They were also fiercely supportive of Harry, always eager to help him unlock his potential, albeit sometimes with a dose of tough love.
Maggie Smith and Michael Gambon in “The Last September,” based on the novel by Elizabeth Bowen. pic.twitter.com/9cIdvbnri5
— Maggieficent (@dame_mags) November 13, 2021
McGonagall served as Dumbledore’s deputy headmistress until his passing in The Half-Blood Prince, after which she courageously defended Hogwarts from Voldemort’s assault in both Deathly Hallows films.
Beyond their contributions to Harry Potter, both Gambon and Smith had long and fruitful careers in the entertainment industry.
Smith garnered multiple awards throughout her career, including two Academy Awards for her performances: Best Actress for the 1969 film The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and Best Supporting Actress for 1978’s California Suite.
Gambon received four BAFTAs and two SAG awards, including an award for the 2001 period drama Gosford Park, which also featured Smith.
You can stream all the Harry Potter films on Max.
Leave a Reply