Academy Award-winning actress Maggie Smith has passed away
The family of beloved actress Maggie Smith shared the tragic news Friday morning (September 27) that the 89-year-old has died. Her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin wrote:
“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.”
Maggie Smith leaves behind two sons and five grandchildren. A cause of death was not given, but it was shared that Smith was admitted to the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital before passing. The statement continued:
“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.”
RIP Maggie Smith. A British icon. pic.twitter.com/Hi9d4v88Lo
— No Context Brits (@NoContextBrits) September 27, 2024
A look back at Maggie Smith’s life and career
Maggie Smith was born Margaret Natalie Smith on December 28, 1934, in Ilford, Essex, United Kingdom. According to her obituary, she found a love for theater at a young age and made her stage debut in 1952. Four years later, she landed her first film role, which, although uncredited, began a six-decade-long acting career.
Smith portrayed dozens of roles during her illustrious career, with some of the most recognizable being in Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, and Hook.
Hugh Bonneville, a costar from Downton Abbey, paid tribute to the late actress:
“Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent. She was a true legend of her generation and thankfully will live on in so many magnificent screen performances. My condolences to her boys and wider family.”
Smith took home two Academy Awards: Best Actress for her role as Miss Jean Brodie in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and Best Supporting Actress for her role as Diana Barrie in California Suite (1978). In addition, the celebrated actress earned five BAFTAs, three Golden Globes, four Primetime Emmy Awards, five Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Tony Award.
Relive Maggie Smith’s talent with a compilation of her best moments from Downton Abbey in the video below!