Actress Dame Maggie Smith, known for her role as Professor McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” films and Violet Crawley in “Downton Abbey,” has passed away. She was 89 years old.
Dame Maggie Smith Passes Away
According to Deadline, Smith’s passing was confirmed by her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin. In a statement to 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 case 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.
Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, sons of Dame Maggie Smith
Considered “one of the most formidable British actors of all time,” Smith earned two Oscars during her career as an actress: one for the titular role in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” in 1970, and another for best supporting actress in “California Suite” in 1979, per the BBC. She also received four other Oscar nominations over her career: for best actress in “Travels With My Aunt” (1972), and for supporting roles in “Othello” (1965), “A Room With a View” (1985), and “Gosford Park” (2001).
Smith was bestowed the title of “dame” for her accomplishments in drama in 1989 by Queen Elizabeth II. In 2014, the queen granted Smith another distinction, making her the 47th member of the Order of Companions of Honor, joining the likes of Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Judi Dench.
Hugh Bonneville, Dame Maggie Smith’s co-star in “Downton Abbey,” said,
Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent.
She was a true legend of her generation and thankfully will live on in so many magnificent screen performances. My condolences to her boys and wider family.
Hugh Bonneville
Smith earned three best supporting actress Emmys for her role in “Downton Abbey,” though publicly admitted she never watched the series, even after it ended, per The Hollywood Reporter.
In the “Harry Potter” films, Smith appeared as Professor McGonagall, the head of Gryffindor house and deputy headmistress to Albus Dumbledore. According to the BBC, she was the only actor that “Harry Potter” author JK Rowling specifically requested for the films.
Born in 1934 in Ilford, Essex, Dame Maggie Smith’s acting work also includes roles in “Sister Act,” “Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” and “The Lady in the Van,” though her career began in theatre.
Sadly, Smith passed away one year to the day of actor Michael Gambon’s death. Gambon portrayed Professor Dumbledore in the “Harry Potter” films from the series’ third installment on after the death of Richard Harris.
Our thoughts and condolences are with Smith’s family and loved ones.
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