Oct. 3, 2024
Maggie Smith, Harry Potter and Downton Abbey actress and two-time Oscar winner, dies at 89
Dame Maggie Smith, the iconic British actress renowned
for her roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, has passed away
at the age of 89. Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, announced her death
on September 27, 2024, stating that she died peacefully in a British hospital
surrounded by family and friends.
Smith’s illustrious career spanned nearly seven
decades, during which she garnered numerous accolades, including two Academy
Awards for her performances in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and California
Suite (1978)2. She was also celebrated for her portrayal of Professor
Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series and the sharp-witted
Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey.
Tributes have poured in from across the globe, with
Daniel Radcliffe, her Harry Potter co-star, remembering her “fierce
intellect” and "gloriously sharp tongue". Hugh Bonneville, who played
her son in Downton Abbey, described her as a "true legend of her
generation". King Charles and Queen Camilla also expressed their
condolences, calling her a "national treasure".
Smith’s legacy as a towering figure in the world of
acting is undeniable. Her remarkable talent and unforgettable performances have
left an indelible mark on both stage and screen, ensuring she will be
remembered for generations to come.