Dame Maggie Smith, who went down in history as one of the biggest icons of the British acting scene, passed away at 89. Her career spanned seven decades, and it included roles in Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter films, in addition to two Oscar-winning performances.
Smith’s sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin shared a statement with the British media this past week, announcing she died at the age of 89:
“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 has been acting since the early 50s, and she found success as a stage, film, and television actress, earning the Triple Crown of Acting. Her filmography includes two Oscar-winning performances in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and California Suite, plus four more nominations.
Smith is best known to the general public as Professor Minerva McGonagall from the Harry Potter films and the Dowager Countess Violet Crawley from Downton Abbey, for which she won three Emmy Awards. She also starred in such beloved films as Hook, Sister Act, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, A Room with a View, and Gosford Park.
