Kaylah Walton
Dame Maggie Smith, a legendary British actress known for her roles in iconic series like Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, has sadly passed away at 89 years old.
Her family shared that she passed away peacefully in the hospital on Friday, surrounded by her loved ones.
In a touching tribute, her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, shared their sorrow: “She was a deeply private person, and her final moments were shared with close family and friends. She leaves behind two sons and five cherished grandchildren, all heartbroken by the loss of their remarkable mother and grandmother.”
Born on December 28, 1934, in Essex, Smith enjoyed a prolific acting career that lasted more than seventy years. She began her acting journey in Oxford at the tender age of 16.
Her professional debut occurred in 1952 when she played Viola in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, launching her into a remarkable career that established her as one of the UK’s most revered actresses.
Her career gained momentum in the late 1950s, earning her a BAFTA nomination for her role in Nowhere to Go.
Smith gained international recognition after securing an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1969, followed by another Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for California Suite in 1978.
Famous Roles
Although her career encompassed various theater and film projects, Smith became globally recognized for her role as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise and as the sharp-witted Dowager Countess Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey.
Smith‘s family expressed their gratitude towards the staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their supportive care during her last days.
Colleagues shared their condolences, with friend Gyles Brandreth noting, “She was an incredible actress, wise, witty, and one of a kind.”
Dame Maggie Smith‘s impact on cinema, theater, and television will always be cherished, with her unforgettable performances resonating with audiences around the globe.
