If there’s an actress who has epitomized a fierce woman, one with age, experience, and self-confidence on her side, it’s Dame Maggie Smith. And so, it is sad news indeed to share that Maggie Smith has died at the age of 89.
The news comes from a statement put out by Smith’s sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin. They share of Maggie Smith’s death: “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.” They further note of Smith’s death, “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.”
We are glad to hear of Smith’s peaceful passing. A death at 89 means that Maggie Smith got to live a good long life and offer her many talents to the world for more years than most. Smith, of course, is likely most well-known for playing Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter movies and Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey. But Smith held a multitude of roles in her career, which dates all the way back to 1955. Her final role appears to be as Lily Fox in The Miracle Club. In addition to film and TV, Smith was an extraordinary stage actor.
Over the career she amassed before her death, Maggie Smith won two Oscars, one for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and one for California Suite. Ultimately though, it’s not just about awards and honors, Smith became a house face and name, and that’s priceless.
We remain sad to hear of Smith’s passing, but will continue to celebrate her many incredible performances and achievements.