Dame Maggie Smith, the celebrated British actress, has died. She was 89.
Smith’s death was confirmed by her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin. In a statement shared with UK media, they said: “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.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days. We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”
Smith was one of the finest British screen and stage stars of her generation and will be remembered for her performances in iconic films and TV shows, including Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.
She featured as the formidable Professor McGonagall in the Potter movie series, heading the Gryffindor House and serving as deputy headmistress to Albus Dumbledore.
In Downton Abbey, she was the waspish Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, who often delivered some of the best lines in Julian Fellowes’ lavish period drama about English aristocrats.
Hugh Bonneville, Smith’s Downton co-star, told the BBC that 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,” he said.
Smith won two Oscars during a career that spanned many decades. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie delivered her first Academy Award in 1970, while she repeated the trick nine years later in California Suite. Smith also won four Emmys, three of which were for Downton Abbey, and eight BAFTA awards.
Born in 1934, Smith began treading the boards at Oxford’s Playhouse theatre as a teenager. Her impressive body of work also included Sister Act, Gosford Park, and The Lady in the Van.
The actress was honored by Queen Elizabeth II in 1990, being made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
Smith was married to Robert Stephens between 1967 and 1974. She later wed Beverley Cross in 1975 and remained his wife until his death in 1998. Her sons Stephens and Larkin both followed her into the acting profession.
