Dame Maggie Smith, the renowned actress who was celebrated for her roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, passed away at 89. Her family announced her death, marking the end of a career that spanned over eight decades.
An Illustrious Career Spanning Eight Decades
Smith, a legend of British stage and screen, won two Academy Awards for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1970 and California Suite in 1979. Throughout her illustrious career, she received four other Oscar nominations and seven Bafta awards.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer led the tributes, calling Dame Maggie “a true national treasure” whose work would be cherished for generations to come.
Iconic Roles in Film and Television
Smith became internationally known for portraying Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series and as the witty Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey. Her work in these two roles endeared her to millions of fans around the globe.
In Downton Abbey, she portrayed Violet Crawley, the sharp-tongued matriarch famous for her biting one-liners. Smith reprised the role in the two Downton Abbey films, including Downton Abbey: A New Era in 2022, where her character’s death marked a pivotal moment for the storyline.
A Private Farewell Surrounded by Loved Ones
In a statement, her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, expressed their profound sadness: “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September.”
They thanked the staff of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and kindness during her final days, and requested privacy as they grieve her loss.
Tributes from Colleagues and Co-Stars
Fellow Downton Abbey co-star Hugh Bonneville reflected on her talent and impact: “Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit, and formidable talent.”
Lesley Nicol, who played Mrs. Patmore, remembered the Downton Abbey cast as a “close group,” saying, “We’re all devastated to think she’s not around anymore.”
Dame Kristin Scott-Thomas, a frequent co-star, praised Smith’s seriousness about acting but also her sharp humor: “She could reduce me to a blithering puddle of giggles… I absolutely adored her.”
A Legacy on Stage and Screen
Over her career, Dame Maggie performed in many acclaimed stage productions, including Othello at the National Theatre alongside Laurence Olivier. Her film roles in Gosford Park, A Room With a View, and The Lady in the Van further solidified her place as a cinematic icon.
Whoopi Goldberg, who worked with Smith in Sister Act, called her “a great woman and a brilliant actress,” and Rob Lowe, who starred with her in Suddenly, Last Summer, described sharing the screen with her as “like being paired with a lion.”
Final Roles and Legacy
Dame Maggie’s final film role was in The Miracle Club (2023), co-starring Kathy Bates and Laura Linney. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy of performances that have touched audiences for generations, cementing her status as one of Britain’s greatest actors.
Bafta echoed these sentiments, praising her as “a legend of British stage and screen,” and celebrating her numerous award-winning performances.
