British Actress Dame Maggie Smith, Known For Professor McGonagall In “Harry Potter”, Has Died At Age 89
The celebrated Harry Potter and Downton Abbey star has worked in film, television and theater for over seven decades.
Dame Maggie Smith, the celebrated British actress best known for her roles in the “Harry Potter” movies and “Downton Abbey”, has died. She was 89.
Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, announced her death on Friday Sep. 27, stating she died peacefully in hospital surrounded by family and friends.
They expressed gratitude for the care provided by the staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and requested privacy during this difficult time, according to the BBC.
Over seven decades, Smith has worked in film, television and theater.
She was known for her performances in classic plays and film; her ability to blend humor with dramatic depth made her a unique presence in the performing arts.
Smith garnered numerous awards, including two Oscars, winning Best Actress for “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” and Best Supporting Actress for “California Suite”, five BAFTA Awards, four Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards and a Tony Award, as well as nominations for six Laurence Olivier Awards and was one of the few performers to earn the Triple Crown of Acting.
Tributes have poured in, with the UK’s king and prime minister also paying her tribute.
King Charles described her as "a national treasure" and prime minister Keir Starmer said she was "beloved by so many for her great talent", according to the BBC.
Many of her colleagues and fans also paid her tribute.
“When I was younger I had no idea of Maggie's legend — the woman I was fortunate to share space with," Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger in “Harry Potter” wrote. "It is only as I've become an adult that I've come to appreciate that I shared the screen with a true definition of greatness."
"She was real, honest, funny and self-honouring," Watson wrote. "Maggie, there were a lot of male professors and by God you held your own."
Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, said “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,” according to the Independent.
Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley in “Harry Potter”, said in a post on Instagram, he felt "particularly lucky to have shared a dance" with Smith.
“She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother,” her sons said.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Kassy Cho
Kassy Cho
