Dame Maggie Smith, Iconic ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Downton Abbey’ Star, Passes Away at 89
Dame Maggie Smith, the esteemed British actress renowned for her roles as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” film series and the Dowager Countess of Grantham in “Downton Abbey,” has passed away at the age of 89. Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, confirmed the news in a statement released by her publicist, expressing their profound sadness at the loss of their “extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
Dame Maggie Smith, born Margaret Natalie Smith on December 28, 1934, in Ilford, Essex, began her illustrious career at the tender age of 17 with a Shakespearean production of “Twelfth Night.” Her talent quickly garnered attention, leading to a Broadway debut in 1956 with “New Faces of 1956” and numerous stage and screen roles thereafter.
Throughout her seven-decade-long career, Smith established herself as one of the most respected and admired actors of her generation, earning accolades and awards both in the UK and internationally. Her portrayal of the charismatic but controversial teacher Miss Jean Brodie in the 1969 film “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” earned her the first of her two Academy Awards for Best Actress. She went on to win her second Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 1978 for her work in “California Suite.”
In addition to her Oscars, Smith received numerous other prestigious honors, including five BAFTA Awards, four Emmy Awards, three Golden Globes, five Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Tony Award for her stage performance in “Lettice and Lovage.” In 1990, she was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the performing arts.
Smith’s career reached new heights in the early 2000s when she was cast as Professor McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” film franchise. Her portrayal of the stern yet nurturing Hogwarts professor became an iconic part of the series, endearing her to a new generation of fans worldwide. Smith famously quipped that “Harry Potter is my pension,” highlighting the enduring impact of her role.
A few years later, Smith joined the cast of the critically acclaimed television series “Downton Abbey,” playing the sharp-tongued Dowager Countess of Grantham. Her performance earned her three Emmy Awards and further solidified her status as a national treasure. Her wit, grace, and commanding presence on screen captivated audiences for six seasons and beyond, as she reprised her role in two feature films released in 2019 and 2022.
The cause of Dame Maggie Smith’s death has not been disclosed, but it was reported that she passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by her loved ones. Her sons expressed their gratitude to the medical staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their compassionate care during her final days.
Tributes poured in from colleagues, friends, and fans alike, mourning the loss of a true giant of the acting world. “Maggie Smith was a truly great actress, and we were more than fortunate to be part of the last act in her stellar career,” said Julian Fellowes, creator of “Downton Abbey.” Hugh Bonneville, who played Lord Grantham in the series, described her as “a true legend of her generation.”
Dame Maggie Smith’s legacy will endure through her remarkable body of work, which spanned the stage, screen, and television. Her talent, dedication, and versatility will be forever remembered and celebrated by generations of actors, directors, and audiences alike.