Dame Maggie Smith, the legendary British star whose career spanned more than six decades, has died at the age of 89.
Her sons, actors Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, confirmed the news in a statement, saying, “She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September. An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
Smith’s career saw her become one of the most acclaimed actors in the world. Known for her extraordinary range, she was equally adept in both comedy and drama. Over the years, she earned two Academy Awards, five BAFTA Awards, four Emmys, and a Tony Award. Her first Oscar came in 1970 for her role as a schoolteacher in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, and her second for her portrayal of a neurotic actress in the 1978 film California Suite. Other notable performances include her roles in A Room with a View (1985) and Gosford Park (2001), both of which earned her further Academy Award nominations.
Smith’s most recognisable roles for modern audiences were her portrayals of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films and Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, in Downton Abbey. Her biting wit and impeccable timing as Violet earned her widespread praise and three Emmy Awards. Despite her character’s popularity, Smith once admitted that she had never watched Downton Abbey, quipping that by the time she thought about it, “It was too late to catch up.”
Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment world. Daniel Radcliffe, who worked with Smith on the Harry Potter series, shared fond memories of their time together. “She was incredibly kind to me on that shoot, and then I was lucky enough to go on working with her for another 10 years on the Harry Potter films,” Radcliffe said in a statement. “She was a fierce intellect, a gloriously sharp tongue, could intimidate and charm in the same instant.”
Fellow Harry Potter co-star Emma Watson also reflected on Smith’s profound impact, writing on social media, “When I was younger I had no idea of Maggie’s legend – the woman I was fortunate enough to share space with. It is only as I’ve become an adult that I’ve come to appreciate that I shared the screen with a true definition of greatness.”
Smith’s career was not limited to the screen. She was a celebrated stage actress, earning six Evening Standard Theatre Awards, the most of any performer, and a Tony Award for her role in Lettice and Lovage (1990). She was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 1990 and was later appointed to the Order of the Companions of Honour in 2014.
Her passing marks the end of an era for British theatre and film. Hugh Bonneville, who played alongside her in Downton Abbey, remarked, “She was a true legend of the acting community. Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent.”
Dame Maggie Smith will be remembered as one of the greatest actors of her time, leaving behind a body of work that will continue to inspire for generations to come.
Here are some more reactions:
A message of condolence from His Majesty The King following the passing of Dame Maggie Smith. pic.twitter.com/SiKw8EEHva
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 27, 2024
Somehow I thought she’d live forever.
RIP Dame Maggie Smith. pic.twitter.com/VogfvR9nIF— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 27, 2024
Saddened to hear Dame Maggie Smith has passed. I had the unforgettable experience of working with her; sharing a two-shot was like being paired with a lion. She could eat anyone alive, and often did. But funny, and great company. And suffered no fools. We will never see another.… pic.twitter.com/wjJCL7FqWf
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) September 27, 2024
