- Dame Maggie Smith has died in hospital aged 89
- The British actress had a career spanning more than 70 years
- She starred in numerous films including the Harry Potter series and Downton Abbey
Dame Maggie Smith, known for roles in the Harry Potter series of films and period drama Downton Abbey, has died in hospital aged 89.
The news was confirmed in a statement released by her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin. “An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end,” they said. “She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
The statement went on to thank the “wonderful staff” at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London for their “care and unstinting kindness during her final days.”
Most decorated
Dame Maggie Smith, who was born on December 28, 1934, is one of the most decorated actresses to come from the UK. In her career, which began when she was a teenager, she became one of the few performers to win the ‘Triple Crown of Acting’ – an Oscar, an Emmy and a Tony Award in the acting categories.
She won a Best Actress Oscar in 1969 for her role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. This was followed by a Best Supporting Actress award in 1978 for California Suite. She was nominated for an award on several other occasions.
Dame Maggie won a new legion of fans in the 21st century for her portrayal of the formidable Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series of films from 2001-11.
She also won fans and critical acclaim for her role as Violet Crawley in the hugely successful British period drama Downton Abbey, which ran from 2010-15. She won three Emmys for this role.
Over the years Dame Maggie was also renowned for her work on stage in the West End and Broadway.
Condolences
There has been an outpouring of condolence after news of her passing broke. In a post on X, BAFTA said: “Dame Maggie was a legend of British stage and screen, winning five BAFTAs as well as a BAFTA Special Award and BAFTA Fellowship during her highly acclaimed career.”
