Maggie Smith, the legendary British actor known for her captivating performances on stage and screen, passed away on Friday at the age of 89. Smith’s sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, confirmed her death, stating she died peacefully in a London hospital. She leaves behind two sons and five grandchildren who mourn the loss of their beloved mother and grandmother. Smith’s career spanned over six decades, during which she earned two Academy Awards, a Tony, and numerous BAFTAs and Golden Globes. She first won an Oscar in 1969 for her portrayal of a charismatic schoolteacher in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and later added a second for California Suite in 1978.
In the 21st century, Smith gained a new generation of fans for her roles as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series and as the sharp-witted Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey, earning several Emmys and other accolades for the latter. Born in Ilford, London, on December 28, 1934, Smith once summed up her life simply: “One went to school, one wanted to act, one started to act, one’s still acting.” She remained a beloved icon to the end, continuing to inspire audiences worldwide with her extraordinary talent.