Award-winning British actress, Dame Maggie Smith passed away at 89 in a hospital on Friday, 27th September, 2024, her family confirmed in a statement.
Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, announced the heartbreaking news, saying, “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September.”
Dame Maggie, born and raised in Oxford, began her illustrious acting career as a teenager and became one of the most celebrated figures in British theatre and film. She won her first Oscar for her role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1969, solidifying her status as a film icon.
In recent decades, Dame Maggie garnered a new generation of fans from her role as the witty and sharp-tongued Dowager Countess of Grantham in the beloved TV series Downton Abbey. She also became a household name worldwide for her role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film series.
Throughout her career, Dame Maggie earned widespread acclaim for her versatility, wit, and presence on stage and screen, receiving numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, four BAFTAs, three Golden Globes, and a Tony Award.
Her passing marks the end of an era in British acting, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances that will continue to inspire generations to come.
Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course, and tributes from across the entertainment world have already begun pouring in for the legendary actress.