The world has lost one of its greatest actresses. Dame Maggie Smith, known for her unmatched talent and grace, has passed away at the age of 89.
Her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, confirmed her death in a heartfelt statement on Friday, Sept. 27, via publicist Clair Dobbs.
“It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith,” her sons shared.
“She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, surrounded by friends and family. She leaves behind two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
Smith, a two-time Academy Award winner, was revered for her versatile performances across film, television, and theater, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment world.
A Career Spanning Over 70 Years
Born in Ilford, England, in 1934, Dame Maggie Smith began her illustrious career in 1952 with her stage debut as Viola in “Twelfth Night.”
Over the next seven decades, she became a powerhouse of talent, amassing more than 50 film credits, four Golden Globe Awards, and two Academy Awards for “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” (1969) and “California Suite” (1978).
Her work on screen captured the hearts of multiple generations.
Smith became a household name for her portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” film series.
Fans will also remember her sharp wit and timeless elegance as the Dowager Countess Violet Crawley in “Downton Abbey,” a role that earned her three Emmy Awards.
Her Most Iconic Roles
Smith’s ability to transform into diverse characters was unmatched. She captured audiences with her roles in films like “Sister Act” (1992), “Hook” (1991), and “Tea with Mussolini” (1999).
Her portrayal of a no-nonsense transfiguration teacher in the “Harry Potter” franchise introduced her to a new generation of fans.
Later, her role in “Downton Abbey” gave her mainstream recognition, a phenomenon she humorously admitted was foreign to her.
In a 2014 interview with The Telegraph, Smith reflected on how “Downton Abbey” changed her life.
“That’s never happened to me before,” she remarked, referring to fans recognizing her on the street. She added, “It’s television that does it. I love wandering around on my own and I just couldn’t.”
A Beloved Icon
Smith was much more than her accolades.
When asked about her legacy after receiving the Evening Standard Icon Award, she humbly remarked, “If you have been around long enough, you are an icon. A rather dusty icon, or a national treasure.”
Her personal life was filled with love and loss.
She married playwright Beverley Cross in 1975, and they remained together until his death in 1998.
In a rare 60 Minutes interview, Smith opened up about the difficulty of grief, saying, “They say it goes away, but it doesn’t. It just gets different.”
Despite her personal challenges, Smith continued to captivate audiences well into her later years.
Her final film role before her passing was in “The Miracle Club” (2023), where she delivered a moving performance as Lily Fox.
Remembering Dame Maggie Smith
Dame Maggie Smith’s death marks the end of an era.
Her influence on film, theater, and television will be felt for years to come.
Her sons and five grandchildren survive her, and as they, along with fans across the globe, mourn this monumental loss, her legacy as one of the finest actresses to ever grace the stage and screen will live on.
From “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” to “Harry Potter” and “Downton Abbey,” Dame Maggie Smith was, and will forever remain, a national treasure.
My sincerest condolences to the Smith family during this difficult time.
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