Dame Maggie Smith, famous for her roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, has sadly died aged 89.
Maggie Smith has died aged 89. Credit: Mike Marsland / Getty
In a statement, her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin said, per BBC News: “She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September.
“An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days.
“We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”
The star had a long, successful career. Credit: Karwai Tang / Getty
Smith had an illustrious career on both stage and screen but is perhaps best remembered for her role as Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series.
She won two Oscars in her career for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1970 and California Suite in 1979.
Smith’s acting journey began at a young age, and after studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, she made her professional debut in 1952.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, she continued to shine in films such as Death on the Nile (1978) and The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne (1987).
Her career surged in the 2000s with iconic roles in the Harry Potter series as Professor Minerva McGonagall and as the sharp-witted Dowager Countess Violet Crawley in the acclaimed series Downton Abbey (2010-2015).
Dame Maggie Smith. Credit: Max Mumby/Indigo / Getty
Smith’s performances have garnered numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, four BAFTA Awards, and two Emmy Awards.
Beyond her film and television work, Smith has had a distinguished stage career, particularly with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
In recognition of her contributions to the arts, she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2014.
Our thoughts are with Smith’s loved ones and fans at this difficult time.A
