British acting legend Dame Maggie Smith, best known for her roles in Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter series, has passed away at the age of 89.
Her family confirmed the news of her passing, sharing that she died peacefully in hospital on the morning of Friday, earlier today.
A revered figure in theatre and film, Dame Smith’s career spanned over six decades, during which she received two Academy Awards for her outstanding performances in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1970) and California Suite (1979).
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Alongside her Oscar accolades, she garnered four additional nominations, as well as a total of eight BAFTA awards, making her one of the most celebrated actresses of her time.
‘It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Dame Maggie Smith. She was surrounded by friends and family in her final moments,’ her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin said in a statement.
‘We are heartbroken by the loss of such an extraordinary mother and grandmother. We extend our deepest thanks to the wonderful staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and compassion in her final days,’ they added.
Her family also requested privacy during this difficult time, adding, ‘We appreciate the outpouring of love and support but ask for privacy as we navigate this profound loss.’
A true British icon. Thank you for everything, Dame Maggie Smith. pic.twitter.com/FM3aQjv5Rq
— Downton Abbey (@DowntonAbbey) September 27, 2024
Dame Smith’s co-stars and colleagues were quick to share their tributes, such as Hugh Bonneville, who starred alongside her in Downton Abbey.
‘Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie knows her sharp wit, keen eye, and incredible talent. She was a true legend of her generation, and her legacy will live on through her brilliant performances. My deepest sympathies to her family,’ said Bonneville.
Dame Smith’s portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films, the stern but caring witch, complete with her signature pointed hat and sharp tongue, made her a beloved figure across generations.
Her work in the franchise, as well as many other memorable roles, ensured her a place in the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Her career began on the stage, with early performances in Oxford theatres and by 1963, she was cast as Desdemona in Laurence Olivier’s Othello, a role that would later earn her an Oscar nomination when the production was adapted into film.
She continued to dazzle audiences with performances in films like A Room with a View (1985), where she portrayed the fussy chaperone Charlotte Bartlett, earning Oscar and Golden Globe nominations.
Dame Maggie’s influence wasn’t limited to the big screen, as her work in theatre, particularly with the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company, will be remembered as ‘groundbreaking’.
Her versatility and depth as an actress brought life to a wide range of characters, immortalising her status as one of the greatest performers of her time.
From the British stage to Hollywood, Dame Smith’s career has been a masterclass in acting, with her body of work not only a testament to her remarkable talent but also a lasting gift to the world of entertainment.
Dame Maggie Smith died in hospital on Friday, her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens said in a statement pic.twitter.com/4A8DXyPkKv
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) September 27, 2024
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Picture: John Phillips / Getty Images for BFI
