The iconic dame known for her role in the 'Harry Potter' franchise and 'Downton Abbey' is confirmed by her family to have passed away surrounded by her loved ones at the age of 89.
- September 27, 2024
AceShowbiz - Dame Maggie Smith, one of the most respected and beloved British actresses, has passed away at the age of 89 on September 27. She's known for her dazzling performances in roles like Professor Minerva McGonagall in the "Harry Potter" series and Violet Crawley in "Downton Abbey."
Smith's death marks the end of a remarkable seven-decade-long career in stage and screen. Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, announced her death with a heartfelt statement.
"It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith," read the statement. "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."
Born in Ilford, Essex, on December 28, 1934, Margaret Natalie Smith found her passion for acting early. She began her illustrious career at the age of 16 at the Oxford Playhouse and soon adopted the stage name Maggie Smith. Her screen debut arrived in 1956 with "New Faces of 1956" on Broadway. Laurence Olivier, recognizing her talent, cast her in a film adaptation of "Othello" in 1965, earning her first Oscar nomination.
Smith's contributions to cinema and theater are nothing short of legendary. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" in 1969 and Best Supporting Actress for "California Suite" in 1978. Over her career, she accumulated four Emmy Awards, five Golden Globes, five BAFTAs, and a Tony Award, nearly achieving the coveted EGOT status.
Her role as Professor McGonagall in the "Harry Potter" franchise brought her a new generation of fans. Smith herself humorously noted, "Harry Potter is my pension." She continued to captivate audiences with her sharp wit and formidable talent right into her later years, starring in "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel," "The Lady in the Van," and the "Downton Abbey" films.
Even though she faced health challenges like breast cancer, Smith's resilience saw her through to continue acting at the highest levels. She was named Dame Commander of the British Empire in 1990, marking her as one of the preeminent figures in British arts.
Maggie Smith leaves behind a legacy unmatched in modern acting, inspiring countless young actors and actresses. Her loss is felt deeply by her family, friends, fans, and the entire acting community.
