Dame Maggie Smith, the renowned British actress celebrated for her iconic roles in the Harry Potter series and Downton Abbey , has passed away at the age of 89. Her family confirmed that she died peacefully in the hospital early on Friday, September 27th, surrounded by friends and family.
A Legendary Career
Dame Maggie Smith was a revered figure in British theater and film, with a career spanning over eight decades. She won two Academy Awards: one for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1969 and another for California Suite in 1979. In addition to these wins, she received four other Oscar nominations and was honored with eight BAFTA awards.
In the Harry Potter films, she portrayed the sharp-tongued Professor Minerva McGonagall, a role that endeared her to fans worldwide. Her performance as the formidable matriarch Violet Crawley in the ITV series Downton Abbey also garnered widespread acclaim.
Tributes from Co-Stars and Admirers
Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series, joined other co-stars in paying tribute to Dame Maggie Smith. While specific tributes from Emma Watson are not detailed, the outpouring of respect from the Harry Potter cast, including Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint, reflects the profound impact Dame Maggie had on her colleagues and the franchise.
Hugh Bonneville, who worked with her on Downton Abbey , described her as 'a true legend of her generation' with 'a sharp eye, sharp wit, and formidable talent.' Rob Lowe, who starred alongside her in Suddenly, Last Summer , remembered her as 'humorous and delightful company, with no tolerance for fools.'
A Private Life Despite Public Acclaim
Despite her immense fame, Dame Maggie Smith never fully embraced the limelight. She was known to be intensely private and often expressed her discomfort with the public recognition that came with her roles. She even refrained from watching her own performances in Downton Abbey and famously skipped the event to accept her first Oscar.
However, she did delight in being recognized by children who knew her as Professor McGonagall from the Harry Potter films. Her dedication to her craft and her kind yet intimidating presence on set have been widely praised by those who worked with her.
Legacy and Final Days
Dame Maggie Smith's family expressed their deep sorrow and gratitude to the staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and kindness during her final days. She leaves behind two sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, and five grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.
Her legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences, ensuring that her remarkable performances will be treasured for future generations.
