Beloved British actor Maggie Smith, known for her iconic roles as Violet Crawley in “Downton Abbey” and Professor Minerva McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” series, passed away on the morning of Friday, Sept. 27, at the age of 89. Smith passed away peacefully at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, as confirmed by her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, in a statement. The statement expressed that she was a very private person and was surrounded by friends and family at the time of her passing. She is survived by two sons and five grandchildren, who are deeply saddened by the loss of their remarkable mother and grandmother. The family expressed gratitude for the support and kind messages received and requested privacy during this difficult time. They also extended their thanks to the hospital staff for their compassion.
Dame Maggie Smith, a celebrated star of the stage and screen, portrayed a diverse range of characters over the course of her illustrious career. Her exceptional talent earned her two Academy Awards for her memorable performances in the 1969 film “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” and the 1973 movie “Travels with My Aunt,” in addition to receiving four other Oscar nominations. Notably, she also garnered multiple prestigious BAFTA awards, including a Best Actress accolade for her role in “The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne” and a Special Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993.
In recognition of her significant contributions to the arts, Dame Maggie Smith was honored by Queen Elizabeth II, who bestowed upon her the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1990. This prestigious knighthood was a testament to her remarkable talent and dedication to her craft. Furthermore, her impact was not limited to the realm of royalty, as she was also admired and respected by fellow actors, politicians, and prominent figures in the entertainment industry.
