Dame Maggie Smith, an iconic British actress known for her roles in Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter film series, passed away today at 89, according to Deadline. Word of her passing was confirmed by her two sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin.
Her sons released the following statement to the UK press to announce her death, “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”, as stated in Deadline.
Smith was truly a star of the silver screen, with a long, successful career leading up to her final years of life. She is best known for her work as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films. She played a fierce professor who stood her ground against evil and was the most trusted advisor to school headmaster Dumbledore.
Likewise, her role as the dowager Countess of Grantham Violet Crawley in Downtown Abbey captured audiences everywhere. With her quick tongue and iconic lines, her role in the series made her one of the most beloved. Her Downton Abbey costar Hugh Bonneville (Downtown Abbey, Paddington) said in a statement to the BBC, “Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent,” as stated in Deadline.
Throughout her career on stage and screen, she has received two Oscars for her role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and California Suite. She won three Emmy awards for her work in Downtown Abbey and one for the film My House in Umbria. Smith had a prolific Broadway career, with her debut in 1956. In 1990, she won a Tony award for the comedy play Lettice and Lovage.
Smith received the honor of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II for her contribution to the arts.