Dame Maggie Smith, the beloved British actress, passed away at the age of 89 in a London hospital early on Friday, September 27, 2024. Her sons, actors Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, announced her death in a heartfelt statement, revealing that she was surrounded by family and friends in her final moments. “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith,” the statement read. “She passed away peacefully in hospital… with friends and family at the end.”
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Smith’s family expressed their deep gratitude to the staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their kindness and exceptional care during her final days. The legendary actress leaves behind two sons and five grandchildren, who, according to the family, are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother. The family also requested privacy during this difficult time.
Career Spanning Over Seven Decades
Dame Maggie Smith’s illustrious career spanned more than seven decades, making her one of the most respected and admired figures in the world of theatre, film, and television. She gained international recognition for her role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series, endearing herself to a new generation of fans. Her portrayal of the sharp-tongued Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, in Downton Abbey also earned her widespread acclaim and cemented her place as a beloved character in British television.
Smith’s acting career began in the 1950s, and her remarkable versatility saw her taking on a range of memorable roles over the years. She made her Broadway debut in 1956 and soon after won her first of two Academy Awards for her performance in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1969. Her second Oscar came a decade later for her role in California Suite.
Awards and Accolades
In addition to her two Academy Awards, Smith earned numerous accolades throughout her career, including eight BAFTA Awards, five Screen Actors Guild Awards, and three Golden Globes. She also won a Tony Award for her stage work in Lettice and Lovage, further showcasing her incredible range as a performer. Despite her many accomplishments, Smith remained humble and often shied away from the spotlight, becoming known for her intense privacy.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla paid tribute to Dame Maggie Smith in a statement, calling her “a national treasure” whose warmth and wit shone both on and off the stage. Fellow actors, including Downton Abbey co-star Hugh Bonneville and Suddenly, Last Summer co-star Rob Lowe, also expressed their admiration for Smith, with Lowe describing her as “unforgettable.”
Legacy of Iconic Roles
Beyond her awards, it was Maggie Smith’s ability to breathe life into her characters that truly defined her legacy. From her Oscar-winning role as the charismatic and dangerous Jean Brodie, to her delightful portrayal of Professor McGonagall, she created some of the most iconic characters in film and television history. Her wit and sharpness were particularly evident in her portrayal of Violet Crawley, where her comedic timing turned the Dowager Countess into a fan favorite.
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Even in her later years, Smith continued to take on significant roles. She appeared in the Downton Abbey films released in 2019 and 2022, and in The Miracle Club in 2023.