Dame Maggie Smith and Sir Michael Gambon will forever be linked to much more than just their work in the “Harry Potter” films.
Perhaps best known for their portrayals of Professor Minerva McGonagall and Headmaster Albus Dumbledore at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in recent years, Smith and Gambon appeared in six of the eight Potter films.
The immense success of the Wizarding franchise has ensured that they will always be remembered in the same breath. But even veteran actors are now forever associated with death.
Smith died on Friday, September 27.which has been exactly one year Gambon passed awaySmith was 89 years old; Gambon was 82 years old.
The news of Smith's death was confirmed by his sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin. “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. He died peacefully in hospital this morning, Friday 27 September, they said in a statement.
“An extremely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves behind two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
Although Smith's cause of death is unknown, she spoke openly about her battles with Graves' disease and breast cancer.
A year ago, this was Gambon's “devastated” family who announced death His “beloved husband and father.”
“Michael died peacefully in hospital of pneumonia with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his side,” a statement released at the time said.
Gambon's wife and son thanked Sir Michael's fans for their “messages of support and love” during such a “painful time”.
Smith's career was one for the ages. His work spans seven decades and has received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, four Golden Globes, four Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award.
In addition to playing the steely-eyed Professor McGonagall, Smith was also cast as Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, in the hit TV series “Downton Abbey.”
In addition to her Oscar wins, she also played memorable roles in many popular films such as “Sister Act,” “Gosford Park” and “The First Wives Club.”
He earned a reputation for being able to convey tenderness and seriousness with equal dexterity — an ability that attracted Christopher Columbus, who directed the first two “Harry Potter” films, to cast him as the titular head of Gryffindor House. I chose.
“Someone you were intimidated by but someone who had a real sense of warmth and heart,” Columbus, 66, said in a clip from the early 2000s. posted on youtube When describing what was “required” to play McGonagall.
“And that's really what Maggie is,” he said. “And I thought, this is perfect for McGonagall.”
