Dame Maggie Smith, one of the most celebrated and accomplished actresses of her generation, has passed away at the age of 89. The legendary British actress, best known for her iconic roles in Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter film series, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that spans more than seven decades.
Her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement on Friday, Sept. 27. “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith,” they shared via publicist Clair Dobbs. “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.”
Maggie Smith’s career was nothing short of legendary. She won two Academy Awards, first for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1969, where she played the unorthodox and charismatic schoolteacher, and later for California Suite in 1978. She was nominated for four additional Oscars throughout her career, cementing her place as a powerhouse performer in the world of film.
Her talents were not limited to the big screen. Smith captivated television audiences with her unforgettable portrayal of Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey, a role that earned her three Primetime Emmy Awards. And to millions of younger viewers, she will always be remembered as the wise and sharp-tongued Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series.
Born in Ilford, England, in 1934, Maggie Smith made her stage debut in 1952 at just 18 years old, playing Viola in Twelfth Night. Her remarkable stage career saw her perform in many Shakespearean productions, and in 1990, she won a Tony Award for her performance in Lettice and Lovage. That same year, she was honored with a damehood by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to the performing arts.
Smith’s filmography is a testament to her versatility and talent. In addition to her award-winning roles, she starred in “Death on the Nile” (1978), “Hook” (1991), “Sister Act” (1992), “The Secret Garden” (1993), “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” (2012), and “The Lady in the Van” (2015).
Maggie Smith was married twice. First, to actor Robert Stephens in 1967, with whom she had her two sons. The couple divorced in 1975. Later that year, she married playwright Beverley Cross, and they remained together until his death in 1998.
Though her presence will be missed, Maggie Smith’s legacy lives on in her timeless performances. Her ability to command both stage and screen, her wit, grace, and dedication to her craft will continue to inspire generations of actors and film lovers alike.