- Maggie Smith has died
- The actress was 89 years old
- She played "Professor McGonagall" in 'Harry Potter'
Maggie Smith passed away today, Friday, September 27. The legendary British actress, best known for portraying "Professor McGonagall" in the "Harry Potter" series, was 89 years old.
Her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, shared a heartfelt statement, saying, according to the BBC:
"She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September. An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother."
They also expressed their gratitude to the "wonderful staff" of the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London, thanking them "their care and unstinting kindness during her final days." The family has asked for privacy as they mourn the loss of the iconic actress, whose legacy will live on through her remarkable body of work.
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Maggie Smith has been a global star for decades
Maggie Smith had her breakthrough in the 1960s, where she starred alongside screen legends like Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. She first garnered an Oscar nomination in 1965 and went on to win her first Academy Award in 1970.
Her portrayal of "Miss Jean Brodie" in 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie' earned her the coveted Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Eight years later, she claimed her second Oscar, this time for Best Supporting Actress, for her role in 'California Suite', known in the UK as 'The Crazy California Hotel'. Smith’s illustrious career spanned film, television, and theatre, marking her as one of the most revered actresses of her generation.
Despite her remarkable success in film, Maggie Smith never lost her passion for the theatre. Throughout her career, she continued to grace some of the world’s most prestigious stages, maintaining a deep connection to live performance. Even when diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, she took a brief hiatus to focus on her recovery. Demonstrating incredible resilience, Smith overcame the illness and made a triumphant return to the stage, reaffirming her dedication to the craft that had shaped her career from the beginning.
Maggie Smith in cult films and series
Maggie Smith also became a beloved figure for younger audiences when, in 2001, she took on the role of "Minerva McGonagall" in the 'Harry Potter' films. Author J.K. Rowling specifically chose her for the part, recognizing Smith's perfect embodiment of the wise and formidable Hogwarts professor. Smith portrayed McGonagall across all eight films in the series, winning the hearts of a new generation of fans and further solidifying her legacy as one of the most versatile and iconic actresses of her time.
Maggie Smith's portrayal of the witty and sharp-tongued "Countess of Grantham" in 'Downton Abbey' became iconic as well. She played the role for six seasons, delivering a performance that was both humorous and poignant. Her work in the series earned her widespread acclaim, including three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress.
Smith was married twice and had two sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, both of whom followed in her footsteps to become successful actors. In recognition of her remarkable contributions to the arts, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1990 and later honored as a Companion of Honour by Queen Elizabeth II in 2014, marking her as one of Britain’s most distinguished performers.
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