Dame Maggie Smith, the beloved British actress known for her iconic roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, has passed away at the age of 89, her family confirmed today. With a career spanning eight decades, she was a celebrated figure on both stage and screen, earning numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards.
A National Treasure of Stage and Screen
Dame Maggie won her first Oscar for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1970 and her second for California Suite in 1979. Over the years, she received four additional Oscar nominations and seven BAFTA awards, cementing her status as one of Britain’s greatest actresses.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer led the tributes, calling her “a true national treasure” whose legacy will live on for generations.
Iconic Roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey
Fans across the world adored Dame Maggie for her portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films. Her stern yet endearing character left a lasting impression on audiences of all ages. Equally memorable was her role as Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, in Downton Abbey, where her sharp wit and legendary one-liners became the series’ highlight.
In a statement, her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital this morning, surrounded by friends and family.”
Tributes from Co-stars and Fans
Hugh Bonneville, her Downton Abbey co-star, praised her sharp wit and formidable talent: “She was a true legend, and her work will be cherished forever.”
Lesley Nicol, who also appeared in Downton Abbey, echoed these sentiments, saying, “We’re all devastated to think she’s not around anymore.”
Dame Maggie’s career included standout performances in Gosford Park, A Room with a View, and The Lady in the Van, among many others. She worked with greats like Dame Judi Dench and Whoopi Goldberg, with the latter calling her “a brilliant actress” who was “one of a kind.”
A Legacy That Will Endure
Throughout her illustrious career, Dame Maggie captivated audiences with her versatility, humor, and emotional depth. From the stage to the silver screen, she left an indelible mark on the entertainment world.
The National Theatre described her career as one that “spanned the theatrical, film, and television worlds without equal,” and BAFTA praised her as a “legend of British stage and screen.”
Dame Maggie Smith’s unparalleled contribution to the arts will be remembered for generations to come. She leaves behind two sons and five grandchildren who, as her family stated, are “devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
