Legendary actress Dame Maggie Smith, known for her iconic roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, has sadly passed away at the age of 89, her sons have confirmed. The beloved actress died in hospital, surrounded by friends and family, according to a statement released by her children, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens. They described her as an intensely private person and expressed their devastation at the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother. The family also expressed gratitude towards the staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and kindness during her final days.
Dame Maggie Smith, born in Essex in 1934, was an internationally renowned actress known for her versatility and meticulous performances. She first gained widespread acclaim for her role as the fanatical teacher in “The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie” in 1969, a performance that earned her a Best Actress Oscar and BAFTA. Throughout her illustrious career, she continued to receive accolades, including a second Oscar for her role in “California Suite” in 1978, which earned her a Best Supporting Actress trophy and a Golden Globe.
In recent years, Dame Maggie captivated audiences with her portrayal of Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, in the hit TV series “Downton Abbey,” as well as her role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film franchise. Despite her success in leading roles, she was known for her willingness to take on supporting roles in films, showcasing her range and talent.
The Downton Abbey series brought Dame Maggie Smith numerous awards, including three Emmys, a Golden Globe, and four Screen Actors Guild Awards. Tributes poured in from colleagues and fans alike, with TV presenter Gyles Brandreth describing her as “wise, witty, waspish, wonderful” and “one of a kind in every way.” Politicians and industry figures also paid homage to her legacy, with Sir Keir Starmer calling her a “true national treasure” and former prime minister Rishi Sunak praising her as “an icon of the stage and screen.”
Throughout her career, Dame Maggie Smith starred in a wide range of films, including “Young Cassidy” in 1966, “Death On The Nile” in 1979, “Quartet” in 1982, “The Secret Garden” in 1994, “Tea With Mussolini” in 2000, “Gosford Park” in 2002, and “The Lady In The Van” in 2016. She was known for her dedication to her craft and her ability to bring depth and nuance to each character she portrayed.
Dame Maggie Smith’s personal life was marked by two marriages, first to fellow actor Robert Stephens in 1967, with whom she had two sons before divorcing in 1975. She later married writer Beverley Cross in the same year, a marriage that lasted until his passing in 1998. In recognition of her contributions to the arts, she was made a Dame in 1990, a fitting honor for a woman whose talent and presence on stage and screen will be cherished for generations to come.
As news of her passing continues to reverberate through the entertainment industry, fans and colleagues alike are mourning the loss of a true legend. Dame Maggie Smith’s legacy as a consummate actress, dedicated performer, and beloved personality will endure, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment that will be remembered for years to come. Her immense talent, grace, and wit will be sorely missed, but her spirit lives on through the countless performances that have touched the hearts of audiences around the world.
