Dame Maggie Smith, renowned for her iconic roles in Harry Potter and other cinematic masterpieces, has sadly passed away at the age of 89 on September 27. The announcement came from her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, who shared that their mother left this world peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
In their heartfelt statement, Larkin and Stephens expressed their gratitude for the care provided by the staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, stating, “She passed away peacefully in the hospital early this morning.” They described her as “an intensely private person,” emphasizing the deep love and admiration her family has for her. The statement concluded with a request for privacy during this difficult time.
Dame Maggie Smith had a celebrated career spanning decades, known for her remarkable performances in both film and theater. Some of her most memorable roles include Jean Brodie in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Muriel Donnelly in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and Mrs. Castle in Evil Under the Sun. However, she is perhaps best remembered for her portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series, a role she played from 2001 to 2007.
In recent years, she starred in Downton Abbey, reprising her role as Violet Crawley in the sequel, Downton Abbey: A New Era, which marked her last film appearance.
Dame Maggie Smith was married twice: first to actor Robert Stephens, with whom she had a son, and later to Beverley Cross, who passed away in 1998. She leaves behind two sons and five grandchildren, who are mourning the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.
Her contributions to the arts and her unforgettable performances have left an indelible mark on the film industry, and she will be greatly missed by fans and colleagues alike.
