Legendary actress Dame Maggie Smith, best known for her iconic portrayals in the beloved Harry Potter franchise and the hit television series Downton Abbey, passed away at the age of 89.
Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, her sons, announced to the BBC that their mother had passed away peacefully in a hospital on Friday morning.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of the incomparable Dame Maggie Smith, who departed this life peacefully at a hospital earlier today, September 27th. A deeply private individual, she was surrounded by loved ones at her passing. She departs this life leaving behind two sons and five loving grandchildren, all of whom are shattered by the loss of their remarkable mother and grandmother.
“We wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, whose exceptional care and unwavering compassion supported them during their final days.” “We appreciate all of your previous form messages and support. We kindly request that you respect our privacy going forward.”
Throughout her illustrious career, Smith accumulated a prestigious haul of accolades, including two Academy Awards and four Primetime Emmy Awards, in addition to multiple recognitions for her work on the stage. The Academy Awards honored her performances in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and California Suite. Smith was appointed a Dame in the 1990 New Year Honours, recognising her contributions to the performing arts.
Throughout her career, Maggie Smith’s work has consistently garnered success, both critically and commercially, through her iconic roles as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter film franchise and Violet Crawley, Countess of Grantham in ITV and PBS’ period drama Downton Abbey, with the latter earning her three out of four Emmys.
Tributes have flooded in from the leisure industry, as actor Hugh Bonneville, a Downton Abbey co-star of Smith’s, hailed her as “a true legend of her era” to the BBC, noting: “Anyone who shared a scene with Maggie will confirm her sharp eye, sharp wit and impressive expertise.”
