Dame Maggie Smith, the iconic British actress best known for her roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, has died at the age of 89. Her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, confirmed that she passed away peacefully in a hospital on Friday, September 27, surrounded by family and friends.
Smith’s career spanned over seven decades, during which she earned two Academy Awards for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and California Suite (1978), along with six additional Oscar nominations. She also won numerous accolades including BAFTA and Emmy Awards.
Widely loved for her portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series, and the sharp-witted Dowager Countess Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey, Smith became a household name, beloved by audiences worldwide.
Her family thanked the hospital staff for their kindness and care during her final days and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support. Smith is survived by her two sons and five grandchildren, all of whom are deeply mourning her loss.
Tributes have flooded in from fellow actors and public figures. Hugh Bonneville, her co-star in Downton Abbey, praised her immense talent, calling her a “true legend of her generation.” Prime Minister Keir Starmer honored Smith as a “national treasure,” noting her impact on British cinema and theater.
Smith’s final screen appearance was in The Miracle Club (2023), and her legacy as one of the most celebrated actresses of her time will live on through her extraordinary body of work.
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