Dame Maggie Smith, the trailblazing British actress best known for her roles in “Harry Potter” and “Downton Abbey,” has passed away at the age of 89.
Her two sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, shared in a statement that their mother died peacefully early Friday at a hospital in London. The exact cause of her death was not disclosed.
“She leaves behind two sons and five loving grandchildren who are deeply saddened by her passing,” the siblings said in their statement.
The brothers expressed their gratitude to the staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and kindness during her final days and thanked fans for their kind messages and support. They also asked for privacy during this difficult time.
Smith’s remarkable career, especially as an older actress, defied Hollywood norms. She continued to secure prominent roles into her 70s, most notably in the “Harry Potter” series and “Downton Abbey.” She paved the way with her stage and screen performances, turning mature and quirky characters into beloved figures.
Born Margaret Natalie Smith on December 28, 1934, in Essex, she moved to Oxford with her family when her father took a position at the university. She began acting in local theater at the age of 17.
Smith’s big break came on Broadway in 1956 with “New Faces.” In 1958, her performance in the British crime film “Nowhere to Go” earned her a BAFTA nomination. By 1965, she had secured her first Oscar nomination for her role as Desdemona in “Othello.” Despite her fame, Smith was known for her private nature.
“I wish I could just go into Harrods and order a personality,” she once remarked, referring to London’s luxury department store. “It would make life so much easier.”
Smith was married twice: first to actor Robert Stephens and later to playwright Beverley Cross until his death in 1999. Her two sons, from her first marriage, followed in her acting footsteps.
Maggie Smith’s Iconic Roles in ‘Downton Abbey’ and ‘Harry Potter’
Smith was adored both in the UK and Hollywood for her unforgettable performances, which earned her numerous awards and nominations.
Her career spanned generations, with notable roles including her Academy Award-winning performance in 1969’s “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.” She won another Oscar in 1978 for “California Suite.” Additionally, she received Oscar nominations for her roles in “Othello,” “Travels with My Aunt” (1972), “A Room with a View” (supporting role), and “Gosford Park” (2001).
In 1990, Smith was honored as a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II.
She also achieved significant success on television, receiving three Golden Globes out of 12 nominations and winning four Emmy Awards from nine nominations. Later in life, she gained a new generation of fans for her role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” film series, based on J.K. Rowling’s bestselling books.
Smith’s portrayal in the PBS miniseries “Downton Abbey” earned her further acclaim. The show, which aired for six seasons between 2010 and 2015, showcased her talent and culminated in a film sequel, “Downton Abbey: A New Era.”
The world mourns the loss of an iconic actress whose legacy will live on through her timeless performances.
