Legendary actress Maggie Smith, best known for her iconic roles in the Harry Potter film series and Downton Abbey, has passed away at the age of 89. According to Deadline, Smith’s sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, confirmed her passing in a statement, saying she died peacefully at a hospital in London on Friday, September 27.
“She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday, surrounded by friends and family,” they said. “She leaves behind two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
The family expressed their gratitude for the care Smith received during her final days, saying, “We would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and kindness. We appreciate all the kind messages and support and ask that our privacy be respected at this difficult time.” The cause of death was not disclosed.
Maggie Smith was beloved for her portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films, where she played the strict yet compassionate head of Gryffindor House. She also gained widespread acclaim for her role as Violet Crawley, the witty Dowager Countess of Grantham, in Downton Abbey.
Smith’s illustrious career included two Academy Awards, first for her performance in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1970 and again for California Suite in 1979. She also earned four Emmy Awards for her work on Downton Abbey, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest British actresses of her time.
Born in 1934, Smith began acting in her teenage years and went on to become a towering figure in British theater and cinema. She was married to actor Robert Stephens from 1967 to 1973 and later to playwright Beverley Cross, who passed away in 1998. Both of her sons, Chris and Toby, followed in her footsteps, pursuing careers in acting.
Maggie Smith will be remembered as one of the finest talents of her generation, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances.