Dame Maggie Smith, the iconic British actor whose career spanned more than six decades, has died at the age of 89. Her passing was announced by her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, who shared that she died peacefully in hospital early on the morning of Friday, 27 September.
The family statement read: “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 Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days.”
Smith was a towering presence in the world of acting, celebrated for her versatility, razor-sharp wit, and commanding screen presence. Her extensive body of work ranged from theatre to television and film, bringing her global fame with roles in films like The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Harry Potter, and Downton Abbey. Over the course of her career, Smith won two Academy Awards, eight BAFTAs, and numerous other accolades, marking her as one of the most distinguished actors of her time.
Tributes Pour in for the “One-of-a-Kind” Legend
Hollywood and the wider acting community reacted with an outpouring of tributes to Smith. Fellow actors, directors, and colleagues reflected on her immense contributions to the arts. Whoopi Goldberg, her co-star in the Sister Act films, said, “Maggie Smith was a great woman and a brilliant actress. I still can’t believe I was lucky enough to work with a ‘one-of-a-kind’. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family.”
Hugh Bonneville, who worked alongside Smith in Downton Abbey, added: “Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit, and formidable talent. She was a true legend of her generation and thankfully will live on in so many magnificent screen performances.”
Julian Fellowes, the creator of Downton Abbey, described Smith as a “joy to write for,” calling her “subtle, many-layered, intelligent, funny, and heart-breaking.” Fellowes went on to say, “Working with her has been the greatest privilege of my career, and I will never forget her.”
A Storied Career Across Stage and Screen
Maggie Smith’s gift for acerbic comedy was widely regarded as her defining trait. Her portrayal of the fiery and eccentric teacher Jean Brodie in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie earned her the first of her two Oscars in 1970. She also earned acclaim for her roles in A Room with a View and Gosford Park, and her long-standing collaborations with playwright Alan Bennett, including The Lady in the Van.
While often associated with her comedic genius, Smith also excelled in dramatic roles. Her career highlights include performances with the National Theatre alongside Laurence Olivier, a BAFTA-winning role in The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne, and leading Ingmar Bergman’s production of Hedda Gabler.
Born in Oxford in 1934, Smith began her acting career at the Oxford Playhouse and rose to prominence in the late 1950s. Her film debut in Nowhere to Go (1958) marked the beginning of a stellar career on both stage and screen. In 1969, she solidified her star status with The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, and in the following years, she became one of Britain’s most beloved performers, earning accolades for a wide variety of roles, from Shakespearean drama to modern-day farce.
A Global Icon
Smith’s later career was defined by a remarkable mix of roles that brought her international fame. She starred as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series from 2001 to 2011, a role that introduced her to new generations of fans. Meanwhile, her portrayal of the witty Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey became one of her most iconic performances, leading to continued success in two film adaptations of the series.
She also continued to shine on stage, with notable roles in Lettice and Lovage and The Lady in the Van. Smith’s work with playwright Alan Bennett, especially in his Talking Heads series, showcased her unparalleled talent for blending humor and pathos.
A Legacy That Will Endure
Dame Maggie Smith’s career was a blend of brilliance across multiple mediums, leaving an indelible mark on the worlds of film, television, and theatre. Her passing marks the end of an era in British acting, but her performances will continue to inspire generations of actors and fans alike.
Smith is survived by her two sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, and five grandchildren.
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