Legendary British actress Dame Maggie Smith, celebrated for her iconic roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, has passed away at the age of 89, her family has announced. A titan of stage and screen, Smith’s career spanned over eight decades, earning her two Academy Awards — for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1970 and California Suite in 1979. She was also nominated for four other Oscars and received eight Bafta awards.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer led the tributes, describing Dame Maggie as a “national treasure,” admired by many for her exceptional talent. “Her work will be cherished for generations to come,” he added.
Dame Maggie became a beloved figure worldwide for her portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films, a role she imbued with wit and gravitas. In the acclaimed ITV drama Downton Abbey, she portrayed the sharp-tongued Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, delivering memorable one-liners over six seasons and reprising the role in two feature films.
Her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, confirmed her passing in a heartfelt statement: “It is with deep sadness we announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early on the morning of Friday, 27th September, surrounded by friends and family.”
The family thanked the medical team at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their compassionate care during her final days and requested privacy during their time of mourning.
Hugh Bonneville, who acted alongside her in Downton Abbey, reflected on her unparalleled talent: “Maggie had a sharp eye, sharp wit, and an extraordinary gift. She was truly one of a kind, and her performances will live on forever. My deepest sympathies to her family.”
Known for her intense privacy, Dame Maggie’s final years were spent largely out of the public eye. In Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022), her character’s passing mirrored the emotional impact her departure has now left on fans and colleagues alike. Her work in Gosford Park (2002), as well as her early triumphs in Othello and A Room with a View, cemented her legacy as one of the greatest British actresses of all time.
Tributes have poured in from all corners of the entertainment industry. Actor Rob Lowe, who starred with Smith in Suddenly, Last Summer (1993), described working with her as being “in the presence of a lion.” He added, “She was fierce, funny, and didn’t tolerate nonsense. We’ll never see her like again. Rest in peace, Dame Maggie.”
Smith’s body of work, ranging from her Oscar-winning roles to fan favorites like Sister Act and The Lady in the Van, will continue to inspire and entertain. Her final film, The Miracle Club (2023), saw her star alongside Kathy Bates and Laura Linney in a poignant story about friendship and faith.
As Dame Maggie’s passing is mourned, her extraordinary career, which introduced audiences to unforgettable characters, will remain an indelible part of cinema and theatre history.
SOURCE: BBC
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