Beloved British actress Dame Maggie Smith, best known for her roles in the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey, has died at the age of 89.
Smith’s family confirmed her death in a statement to the BBC. “She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September,” they said. “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.”
Thanks to her affinity for comedic performances, Smith earned the hearts of viewers across generations — from her breakout title role in 1969’s The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie to her work as Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey. Her most visible role was as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise.
Smith is one of 24 actors to achieve the “Triple Crown of Acting,” being awarded a competitive Academy Award, Emmy, and Tony. She was nominated for six Oscars and awarded two – one for Best Actress in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, and another for Best Supporting Actress in California Suite (1978). She has also won five BAFTAs, four Emmys, and one Tony.
Born in Essex on December 28th, 1934, Smith began her acting career in theater – first studying under the Oxford Playhouse before becoming a mainstay at the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. She made her Broadway debut in 1956. Though she would embark on an illustrious career in film and television, Smith’s passion for the stage sustained throughout her career.
Smith first gained attention for her on-screen work through her 1969 Oscar-winning role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. Thus launched an incredibly impressive filmography from Smith, becoming a familiar face in countless Hollywood major motion pictures. Just a few of the titles in Smith’s film repertoire include Harry Potter, A Room With a View, Sister Act, Travels With My Aunt, Othello, The Lady in the Van, and Gosford Park.
Smith was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1990.
Smith is survived by two sons and five grandchildren. She was last married to playwright Beverley Cross until his death in 1998. Previously, she was married to actor Robert Stephens, with whom she had two children before their divorce in 1975.