Dame Maggie Smith passed away earlier today, and fans have observed a poignant detail.
The actress, who won two Oscars and was celebrated for her roles as Professor Minerva McGonagall in Harry Potter and Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey, died at the age of 89 on Friday morning (September 27).
Her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, shared the heartbreaking news in a statement that reads, “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.”
“She passed away peacefully in 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.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days,” they added. “We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”
Following the news of Smith’s death, Harry Potter fans have noticed that her passing occurred on the same date, exactly one year after her Harry Potter co-star, Sir Michael Gambon.
Gambon, who portrayed Professor Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series, passed away last year on September 27th at the age of 82.
When Gambon passed, his family released a statement that read: “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon.”
“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.
“We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love.”
Gambon and Smith shared numerous scenes in the Harry Potter films, with their characters and performances remaining beloved by fans.
Both actors had illustrious careers. Gambon won two Screen Actors Guild awards, three Olivier awards, and four BAFTAs.
Smith, on the other hand, was a two-time Oscar winner with numerous stage accolades and eight BAFTAs.
Daniel Radcliffe, a fellow Harry Potter star, paid tribute to Smith in a statement today, writing: “She was a fierce intellect, a gloriously sharp tongue, could intimidate and charm in the same instant and was, as everyone will tell you, extremely funny.
“I will always consider myself amazingly lucky to have been able to work with her, and to spend time around her on set. The word legend is overused but if it applies to anyone in our industry then it applies to her. Thank you Maggie.”