“Harry Potter” and “Downton Abbey” star was 89

Dame Maggie Smith, one of the world's greatest actresses, has died. She was 89.

Her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin confirmed the news on Friday, September 27, saying in a statement released by publicist Clair Dobbs: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.”

“She passed away peacefully in hospital this morning, Friday September 27th,” they continued. “She was an extremely private person and ended up hanging out with friends and family. She leaves behind two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and tireless kindness during her final days,” added Stephens and Larkin.

The brothers concluded: “We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy during this time.”

Smith, who appeared in over 50 films, won two Oscars for it The heyday of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and California Suite (1978). She also won four Golden Globe Awards and four additional Oscar nominations.

The actress was known for her portrayals of Professor Minerva McGonagall in American films Harry Potter film series and Violet Crawley in the Downton Abbey Series.

Smith was born in Ilford, England in 1934 and made her stage debut in 1952, playing the role of Viola in a stage production of Twelfth Night. Her career spanned 70 years and included starring roles in television, film and theater.

Smith's first film appearance came in an uncredited appearance in the 1956s child in the housewhich she followed with a larger role in the crime drama Nowhere in 1959.

A decade later, Smith won her first Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of an idealistic and unorthodox school teacher The heyday of Miss Jean Brodie. She received her second Oscar almost a decade later, for California Suite.

In 1990, the actress won a Tony Award for Lettuce and lovage. In the same year she was made a dame by Queen Elizabeth II for her services to the performing arts.

During this time, Smith starred in several high-profile films including Sister law (1992)Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993), Hook (1991) and Tea with Mussolini (1999).

Smith introduced himself to a new generation of moviegoers Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone as Professor Minerva McGonagall: no-nonsense Transfiguration teacher, head of Gryffindor and later headmistress of Hogwarts. The 2001 blockbuster film spawned seven more films, each with Smith reprising her beloved role.

She continued acting and showed off her skills in the popular BBC series Downton Abbey She played the Dowager Countess Violet Crawley, for which she won three Emmy Awards.

Of her reputation, Smith once said, “It's true I don't tolerate fools, but they don't tolerate me either, so I'm prickly,” according to the Associated Press.

“Maybe that's why I'm pretty good at playing prickly older ladies,” she additionally quipped.

Smith also spoke about the additional mainstream fame she gained as a result Downton Abbey role too The Telegraph In a 2014 interview, she said, “This has never happened to me before,” as she explained that fans recognized her on the street.

“It’s television that does it. It was terrible. I love hiking around by myself, but I just couldn’t do that,” she said. “I don't travel everywhere, and when I do, I almost always have to have a friend with me. It’s very difficult when you’re alone because you have no escape.”

When asked about her legacy after being honored with the Evening Standard Icon Award for her theater work, Smith told the publication, “Everything is iconic.” If you've been around long enough, you're an icon. A pretty dusty icon or national treasure.”

The actress continued to work in films such as The best exotic Marigold hotel And The lady in the van. Her last role in a film released before her death was as Lily Fox in 2023 The Miracle Club.

Smith had two sons, Stephens and Larkin, whom she shared with her ex-husband, actor Robert Stephens. The two married in 1967 and divorced in 1975.

She married the playwright Beverley Cross in 1975 and they remained married until his death in March 1998. When she was asked in a rare interview if she was lonely 60 minutes In 2013, Smith responded: “It seems a bit pointless to go alone and have no one to share it with.”

The star told The Telegraph She used work to keep herself busy.

“They say it goes away, but it doesn’t,” she said of her grief over the loss of Cross. “It will just be different. It's terrible, but what to do? After the hustle and bustle you are much more alone, much more. A day full of people distracts the mind from why one is alone, but when it stops there is deafening silence.”

Smith is survived by her sons and five grandchildren.