Dame Maggie Smith, the seasoned actress best known for her roles in “Harry Potter” and “Downton Abbey,” has passed away.
Smith’s sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, said in a statement that Smith died early Friday in a London hospital. “She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother,” they said in a statement issued via publicist Clair Dobbs.
Maggie Smith grew up in a family that encouraged the arts. She attended the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where her talent began to shine. After graduation, she quickly made a name for herself in London’s theatre scene, showcasing her ability to inhabit a wide variety of roles.
Smith’s stage career began in the 1950s, and she quickly became a leading figure in British theatre. She has performed in numerous acclaimed productions, including her work with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Her performances in plays such as “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” earned her critical acclaim and set the stage for her future success. In fact, her portrayal of Miss Jean Brodie earned her a Tony Award in 1966.
Maggie Smith’s film career took off in the 1960s, with standout roles in movies like “Olivier’s Othello” (1965) and “The Go-Between” (1971). However, it was her role in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” (1969) that truly established her as a force in cinema, earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress. In addition to her film career, Smith has made a significant impact on television. She gained a new generation of fans as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” series. Her portrayal of the stern yet caring head of Gryffindor House became iconic, showcasing her ability to bring depth to even the most fantastical of characters.
Perhaps one of her most celebrated roles in television is as Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, in the hit series “Downton Abbey.” Her sharp wit and memorable one-liners have made her a beloved character, and she has garnered multiple awards for this performance, including a Primetime Emmy Award.
Maggie Smith’s contributions to the arts have been recognized with numerous awards throughout her career. She has received two Academy Awards, multiple BAFTA Awards, and a number of Olivier Awards. In 1990, she was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her services to drama.
Despite her fame, Smith has maintained a relatively private life. She has been married twice, first to actor Robert Stephens, with whom she had two children, and later to playwright Beverley Cross.
Maggie Smith was 89.