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Dame Maggie Smith, the versatile, decorated English actress who left a lasting impact on fans with her iconic performances in the Harry Potter franchise and Downton Abbey, has sadly passed away.
Variety reported that the award-winning actor, who won multiple Oscars and Emmys, died in London at the age of 89 on Friday.
“It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith,” her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin said in a statement provided to the trade outlet. “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. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days.”
Looking back on Maggie Smith’s esteemed acting career
Best known for her role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film series, Smith brought the character to life in seven of the eight original movies. Author J.K. Rowling created the character, and Smith portrayed her with remarkable skill, capturing the essence of a powerful and wise teacher.
Actor Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, praised Smith, saying, “She was a fierce intellect, a gloriously sharp tongue, could intimidate and charm in the same instant and was, as everyone will tell you, extremely funny. I will always consider myself amazingly lucky to have been able to work with her, and to spend time around her on set. The word legend is overused but if it applies to anyone in our industry then it applies to her. Thank you Maggie.”
Prior to her role in the Harry Potter films, Smith had already built an impressive resume in the genre. She appeared in various movies, including Clash of the Titans, Hook, The Secret Garden, From Time to Time, and Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang.
Smith also lent her voice to animated movies and video games, such as Gnomeo and Juliet and Sherlock Gnomes. She reprised her role as Professor McGonagall in the mobile game Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery and gained acclaim for her portrayal of Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey.
Like many British actors, Smith began her career in traditional stage acting before transitioning to film and television. She received numerous accolades for her performances throughout her career, including Tony, Oscar, Emmy, and Golden Globe awards.
Smith’s acting career spanned over six decades, establishing her as an icon of Britain’s theatrical culture. In 1990, she was honored as a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to the arts.
Smith is survived by her two sons, Christopher Larkin and Toby Stephens, and five grandchildren.
The Harry Potter movies continue to be a fan favorite and air regularly on SYFY.
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