Dame Maggie Smith, the beloved actress celebrated for her roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, has passed away at the age of 89. Her family announced the tragic news, revealing she died peacefully in the hospital on Friday, September 27.
In a heartfelt statement, her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, expressed their profound sorrow: “An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end… We are devastated by the loss of our extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
Smith’s illustrious career spanned over seven decades, leaving an indelible mark on film, television, and theater. She won two Academy Awards, first for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1969 and again for California Suite in 1978.
On television, she captivated audiences as the witty Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, in Downton Abbey, a role that garnered her several Emmy Awards. Millions also cherished her portrayal of the feisty Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series, introducing her to a new generation of fans. A titan of the stage, Smith also received a Tony Award and numerous accolades for her contributions to the National Theatre.
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