Dame Maggie Smith, the lauded British star of stage and screen whose career spanned decades, has died at 89.
Among her many roles, Smith played Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise and Dowager Countess Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey.
The news was confirmed in a statement from her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, who said that the renowned actress died peacefully in a hospital early Friday morning, surrounded by loved ones.
“An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end,” their statement reads, per BBC. “She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days. We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”
Born December 28, 1934 in Ilford, Essex, England, Smith got her start in the theatre: while studying at the Oxford Playhouse, she had major roles in several productions and made her Broadway debut in 1956.
She was invited by founding director Sir Laurence Olivier to be one of the first members of the Royal National Theatre. Her work there helped establish her reputation as one of the best actors of her generation. Her notable works included Othello, Hedda Gabler, Much Ado About Nothing and Antony and Cleopatra.
In addition to her lauded theater work, Smith became a star on screen, winning the Academy Award for Best Actress playing the titular teacher in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. She won a second Academy Award for the 1978 comedy California Suite. She was also nominated for Othello, Travels with My Aunt, A Room with a View and Gosford Park.
But to many younger fans, Dame Maggie Smith will always be remembered for playing Professor Minerva McGonagall, the stern but caring transfiguration professor and head of Gryffindor House in the Harry Potter series. She played the beloved role in all eight films.
Smith also received newfound fame and critical acclaim playing the Dowager Countess of Grantham in the hit historical drama Downton Abbey. She won three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, among many other accolades.
Known for her humility, sense of humor, private nature and commitment to her craft, Smith continued to act well into old age: her final films include the two Downton Abbey films and The Miracle Club, which was released last year.
Smith received many awards and accolades throughout her storied career, including five BAFTAs, four Emmys, a Tony Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In 1970, she was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her contributions to drama.
Rest in peace to the legendary Dame Maggie Smith, truly one of the greatest actresses of her generation. From her legendary theater work to Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, she was a beloved favorite of generations of fans.
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