Harry Potter's Maggie Smith Died Exactly 1 Year After Dumbledore Actor Michael Gambon

Mar. 15, 2025

Harry Potterfans have picked up on a connection betweenMaggie SmithandMichael Gambonthat goes past their beloved film roles.

The two actors died on the exact same date — Sept. 27 — exactly one year apart, withSmith this year at age 89and Gambon in 2023, at age 82.

Smith played the no-nonsense Professor Minerva McGonagall in the blockbuster fantasy franchise. Her character was the formidable Hogwarts transfiguration teacher, head of Gryffindor house and, later, headmistress, taking over the latter position from Professor Albus Dumbledore.

Gambon took over the role of Dumbledore, McGonagall’s longtime colleague and friend, beginning with 2004’sHarry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. He succeededRichard Harris, who played Dumbledore in the first twoHarry Potterfilms, before his death in 2002 at age 72.

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Dame Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon.Dave M. Benett/Getty Images

Dave M. Benett/Getty Images

Gambon died “peacefully” in the hospital late in the evening of Sept. 27, 2023, a representative for the Irish-born British actor confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE the following day, issued on behalf of his wife and son.

“We are devastated to announcethe loss of Sir Michael Gambon," the statement began. “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.”

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

Maggie Smith and Michael Gambon.TCD/Prod.DB/Alamy Stock Photo

TCD/Prod.DB/Alamy Stock Photo

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Maggie Smith (front) inHarry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban(2004).Everett

Everett

A British actress with more than 80 film, television and stage credits to her name over the span of 70-plus years, Smith racked up accolades that included twoAcademy Awards(from a total of six nominations), fourGolden Globe Awards, fourEmmy Awardsand aTony Award.

She was introduced to a new generation of moviegoers inHarry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone(2001), and went on to reprise her role of McGonagall in the remaining seven films in the franchise.

And her personality mix of sweetness and stature was exactly what drew directorChris Columbusto Smith when he was casting that firstHarry Potterfilm.

In an early 2000s clip posted to YouTube, Columbus — who directed the first twoHarry Pottermovies, includingSorcerer’s Stoneand 2002’sHarry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets— reflected on “what we needed” from McGonagall.

source: people.com