Dame Maggie Smith, a legend of British film and the global entertainment industry, has passed away at the age of 89.
Her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, shared a statement with the BBC confirming the sad news:
“It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. 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. We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”
Dame Maggie Smith lit up the screen and stage for over six decades. Best known for her roles as Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter, Mother Superior in Sister Act and the Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey, Smith went on to win two Academy Awards, multiple Emmys, Golden Globes and BAFTAs. In 1990, she was made a Dame for her contributions to the arts, cementing her legacy as an icon of the industry.
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King Charles and Queen Camilla are among those paying tribute today:
“My wife and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dame Maggie Smith. As the curtain comes down on a national treasure, we join all those around the world in remembering with the fondest admiration and affection her many great performances and her warmth and wit that shone through both on and off the stage.”
Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe also shared a statement: “The word legend is overused, but if it applies to anyone in our industry, then it applies to her. Thank you Maggie.”
(Feature Image Credit: Dame Maggie Smith photo by Everett Collection/Shutterstock.com)
