Dame Maggie Smith, the legendary actress known for her roles as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films and Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey, has passed away at the age of 89.
Smith’s sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, confirmed the news through a publicist, sharing that she died peacefully on Friday morning in a London hospital.
“With great sadness, we announce the passing of Dame Maggie Smith. She died peacefully in hospital, surrounded by friends and family. Her extraordinary presence will be deeply missed,” the family said in a statement. “She leaves behind two sons, five grandchildren, and countless admirers of her remarkable talent. We are profoundly grateful to the staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their exceptional care and compassion during her final days.”
A Legendary Career Spanning Seven Decades
Born in 1934, Maggie Smith began her acting career in her teenage years, performing at the Oxford Playhouse. She quickly became a towering figure in British theater, appearing in productions with the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Her career extended to film, television, and Broadway, earning her numerous accolades along the way.
Smith earned her first Oscar nomination in 1965 for her role as Desdemona in the film adaptation of Othello. Four years later, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her unforgettable performance in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969).
In 1990, she added a Tony Award to her impressive résumé for her work in the stage play Lettice and Lovage. That same year, Queen Elizabeth II honored her with the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her outstanding contributions to the arts.
A New Era of Stardom
Smith’s career reached new heights in her later years, captivating global audiences as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series (2001–2011). She also became a fan favorite for her portrayal of Violet Crawley, the sharp-tongued Dowager Countess of Grantham, in the acclaimed TV series Downton Abbey. For her work on Downton Abbey, she earned three Emmy Awards and cemented her place as a cultural icon.
A Legacy That Lives On
Dame Maggie Smith is survived by her sons and grandchildren, who remember her as an extraordinary mother and grandmother. Her immense talent and magnetic presence will continue to inspire actors and audiences worldwide.