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The entertainment world mourns the loss of a true icon, as Dame Maggie Smith, the acclaimed British actress known for her roles in the Harry Potter film franchise and the hit TV series Downton Abbey, has passed away at the age of 89.
Smith’s sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, released a statement confirming her passing, saying, “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She died peacefully in hospital early on Friday morning, September 27, 2024. 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.”
A Legendary Career Spanning Decades
Maggie Smith’s illustrious career spanned over seven decades, during which she established herself as one of Britain’s most recognizable and prolific actresses. She won two Academy Awards for her performances in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and California Suite (1978), and was nominated for an Oscar six times in total.
Smith’s portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film series from 2001 to 2011 introduced her to a new generation of fans and cemented her status as a beloved icon. Her sharp wit and commanding presence made her a perfect fit for the role of the stern but fair Hogwarts professor.
Downton Abbey and Beyond
In more recent years, Smith gained renewed fame for her role as the Dowager Countess Violet Crawley in the hit period drama Downton Abbey, which aired from 2010 to 2015. Her portrayal of the quick-witted aristocrat earned her three Primetime Emmy Awards and further solidified her status as one of the greatest actresses of her generation.
Throughout her career, Smith also appeared in numerous other films and television series, including Othello (1965), A Room with a View (1985), Gosford Park (2001), and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011). Her talent and versatility were unparalleled, and she leaves behind an incredible body of work that will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come.
A Lasting Legacy
Dame Maggie Smith’s passing is a profound loss for the entertainment industry and for her countless fans around the world. Her talent, wit, and dedication to her craft will never be forgotten, and her legacy will continue to live on through the countless roles she brought to life on stage and screen.
As the world mourns the loss of this legendary actress, we can take comfort in the knowledge that her spirit and her talent will live on forever. Rest in peace, Dame Maggie Smith – you will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
