Dame Maggie Smith Dead At 89, Downton Abbey And Harry Potter Star Passes Away

Dame Maggie Smith, a celebrated two-time Oscar winner and one of the most revered actresses globally, has passed away at age 89.

Her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, shared the news  on Friday, September 27, through their publicist, Clair Dobbs, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dame Maggie Smith.”

Dame Maggie Passed Away Peacefully

The announcement states she peacefully departed this world in the hospital early this morning, Friday, September 27th.

Described as an intensely private individual, she was surrounded by her friends and family in her final moments; Smith is survived by her sons and five grandchildren.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their compassionate care and unwavering kindness during her last days.

We appreciate all the kind messages and support we have received and kindly ask for privacy during this difficult time.

Dame Maggie Smith’s Long Career

Dame Maggie, a remarkable talent who graced more than 50 films, earned two Academy Awards for her outstanding performances in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and California Suite (1978). In addition to these accolades, she received four Golden Globe Awards and was nominated for an Oscar four more times.

Smith is well-known for her role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the beloved Harry Potter film series and as Violet Crawley in the acclaimed Downton Abbey series.

Born in Ilford, England, in 1934, she made her stage debut in 1952, captivating audiences as Viola in a production of Twelfth Night. Her illustrious career spanned over six decades, showcasing her talent across television, film, and theater.

Dame Maggie’s Appearances And Accomplishments

Smith made her film debut with an uncredited role in the 1956 movie Child in the House, then landing  a more significant part in the 1959 crime drama Nowhere to Go.

 A decade later, she earned her first Academy Award for Best Actress for her remarkable performance as a passionate and unconventional school teacher in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. Nearly ten years later, she received her second Oscar for her role in California Suite.

In 1990, Smith was honored with a Tony Award for her performance in Lettice and Lovage, and was appointed  Dame by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to the arts. During this time, she also appeared in Sister Act in 1992, its sequel Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit in 1993, Hook in 1991, and Tea with Mussolini in 1999.

 A New Era For Dame Maggie Smith In The 2000s

In 2001, Smith made her mark on a new wave of film enthusiasts by portraying Professor Minerva McGonagall in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

This film led to the creation of seven additional installments, with Smith reprising her beloved character throughout the series. She further showcased her versatility in the acclaimed BBC drama Downton Abbey, where she played the formidable Dowager Countess Violet Crawley, earning three Emmy Awards for her performance.

In a 2014 interview with The Telegraph, Smith reflected on the newfound mainstream recognition she experienced from this role.  She shared,  “That’s never happened to me before,” as she noted how fans began to recognize her in public.

She Wasn’t Used To Public Attention, Spoke About Her Theater Experience

Speaking of fan attention in public she said television is the problem, it was terrible; I enjoy exploring by myself, but I just couldn’t do it. I rarely go out alone, and if I do, I almost always need a friend-being alone is tough because there’s no way to get away.

When asked about her legacy after receiving the Evening Standard Icon Award for her contributions to theatre, Smith replied, “Everything can be an icon.

If you’ve been around long enough, you become one; maybe a bit of a worn-out icon, or a national treasure.” The actress kept acting in movies like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and The Lady in the Van.

Family And Personal Life

Smith had two sons, Stephens and Larkin, with her ex-husband, actor Robert Stephens. They were married in 1967 and divorced in 1975. In 1975, she married playwright Beverley Cross, and they stayed together until he passed away in March 1998. In a rare 2013 interview on 60 Minutes, Smith talked  about loneliness, saying, “It seems a bit pointless, going on one’s own and not having someone to share it with.” 

She also shared with The Telegraph that she used work to distract herself, mentioning, “They say it goes away but it doesn’t-it just gets different-it’s awful, but what do you do? After the busyness, you are more along, much more; an  absolutely crowded day keeps your mind away from why you are alone, but when it stops, there is that deafening silence.”

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