Maggie Smith began her illustrious career in 1952 and continued for over eight decades, performing on stage.
At the age of 89, Dame Maggie Smith, the renowned British actress best known for her roles in “Harry Potter” and “Downton Abbey,” has died. Her family has announced that on September 27, 2024, she passed away quietly in a London hospital with her loved ones by her side. Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, Smith’s sons, expressed their profound sadness and gratitude for the attention Smith got in her last days at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
Her performances in theater and movies brought her prominence on a global scale. Smith won two Academy Awards: one for Best Supporting Actress in “California Suite” (1978) and another for Best Actress in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” (1969). In addition to these achievements, she received four Golden Globe Awards and countless BAFTA nominations over her lengthy career.
Dame Maggie Smith’s tributes are pouring in: a national treasure remembered
A new generation of admirers came to know her through her portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” film series. Smith reprised this character in all eight films, becoming a cherished figure within the franchise. She also played the strong Dowager Countess Violet Crawley in the highly regarded television series “Downton Abbey,” a role that brought her three Emmy Awards and solidified her reputation as a national treasure.
Smith, who was born in Ilford, England, on December 28, 1934, was well-known for her intensely secretive personality. With actor Robert Stephens, whom she married in 1967 and divorced from in 1975, she had two kids. She wed writer Beverley Cross in 1975, and they stayed together until his death in 1998. Even though Smith received a lot of praise, she often thought about the challenges that come with being well-known, especially after her success on television.
Tributes began to surface from all around the world as soon as her death was announced. Smith was called a “national treasure” by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who highlighted her exceptional talent and contributions to the arts. Other actors and co-stars also sent their condolences: Rob Lowe recalled her wonderful time working with her, while Hugh Bonneville praised her razor-sharp humor and extraordinary talent.
Smith’s legacy is defined by her enormous influence on audiences throughout the world in addition to her remarkable body of work. Her performances are still touching both new and devoted audiences, guaranteeing that her contributions to theater and cinema will be honored for many years to come. In a statement, Smith’s family expressed their grief over the loss of an incredible mother and grandmother while requesting privacy during this difficult time.
