Legendary Actress Maggie Smith Passes Away at 89
Beloved actress Maggie Smith, known for her iconic roles in the Harry Potter movies and the Downton Abbey franchise, has left the world in mourning as she passed away at the age of 89. Her family confirmed the news on September 27, expressing their profound sadness at the loss of the talented star.
A statement released by the family to E! News announced, “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in the hospital early this morning, Friday, 27th September. An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end.” The statement also revealed that Smith is survived by two sons and five loving grandchildren, who are deeply affected by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.
While the cause of Smith’s death was not disclosed, the family disclosed that she had spent her final days as a patient at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. Born Margaret Natalie Smith on December 28, 1934, the star began her illustrious acting career as a teenager. She honed her craft at the Oxford Playhouse School, where she appeared in various plays such as Twelfth Night and Cinderella. Her exceptional talent caught the attention of actor-director Laurence Olivier, leading to her invitation to join the Royal National Theatre company in 1963 as one of its founding members.
With a career that spanned decades, Smith made a name for herself as a distinguished stage actor, appearing in acclaimed productions like Macbeth, Anthony and Cleopatra, Richard III, Othello, and Hedda Gabler. Her remarkable achievements in theater earned her numerous accolades, including a record-breaking six Evening Standard Theatre Awards and a Tony Award for her performance in Lettice and Lovage in 1990. In recognition of her contributions to the arts, Smith was bestowed the title of dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 1990.
Beyond the stage, Smith graced the silver screen with her presence in a multitude of beloved films such as Hook, Sister Act, Gosford Park, Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Her outstanding performances garnered critical acclaim, including a Best Actress Oscar for her role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1969 and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for California Suite in 1978.
However, it was her portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in all eight Harry Potter films that cemented Smith’s status as a cultural icon. Despite battling breast cancer and undergoing chemotherapy in 2007, she continued to deliver a stellar performance in the franchise. Reflecting on her experience of working through cancer treatment, Smith shared, “I was hairless. I had no problem getting the wig on. I was like a boiled egg.”
In addition to her cinematic achievements, Smith captured the hearts of audiences as Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, in the beloved TV series Downton Abbey. Her portrayal of the sharp-tongued matriarch earned her three Emmy Awards during the show’s six-season run, and she reprised her role in the film adaptations released in 2019 and 2022.
Despite her numerous accolades and widespread acclaim, Smith maintained a low profile and cherished her privacy. Married to Robert Stephens and later playwright Beverley Cross, she preferred to stay out of the public eye and lead a quiet life. When asked about her celebrity status in a 2013 interview, Smith remarked, “Absolutely none. I mean, why would I?”
Known for her quick wit and humility, Smith remained grounded despite her immense success in the entertainment industry. She once quipped, “Everything’s an icon. If you have been around long enough you are an icon. A rather dusty icon…or a national treasure.”
The passing of Maggie Smith marks the end of an era in the world of acting, leaving behind a legacy of unparalleled talent and grace. Her contributions to film, television, and theater will be remembered and cherished by fans around the globe. As we mourn the loss of this legendary actress, we celebrate her remarkable career and the indelible mark she left on the entertainment industry.