Dame Maggie Smith Dies at 89
Dame Maggie Smith, the celebrated British actress famous for her roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, has passed away at the age of 89. Her family confirmed the news on Friday, September 27, sharing that she died peacefully in hospital surrounded by loved ones.
In a heartfelt statement, her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, announced the news:
"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. We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”
Dame Maggie's illustrious career spanned decades, earning her acclaim and admiration across the globe. She won two Academy Awards: one for her standout performance in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1970 and another for California Suite in 1979. She also received multiple BAFTA awards throughout her career.
Her iconic roles also included Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, in the beloved series Downton Abbey, and Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films.
Hugh Bonneville, her co-star from Downton Abbey, paid tribute to her remarkable talent, stating, "Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent."
Maggie Smith’s career took off on the stage before transitioning to film, with her first BAFTA nomination coming from the 1958 melodrama Nowhere to Go. She made a lasting impact on both theatre and cinema, with memorable performances in films like A Room With a View, where she portrayed the chaperone Charlotte Bartlett.
Fans of Dame Maggie will forever cherish her diverse roles that showcased her extraordinary range as an actress. Her contributions to the arts have left a permanent mark, ensuring that she will be remembered as a true legend of her generation.
