Dame Maggie Smith, Iconic ‘Downton Abbey’ and ‘Harry Potter’ Star, Dies at 89

Dame Maggie Smith, the esteemed British actress known for her roles in Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter films, has passed away at the age of 89, her sons announced. The legendary actress died peacefully in the early hours of Friday, September 27, surrounded by family and friends. The family expressed their deep gratitude to the staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their compassionate care.

Born in 1934 in Ilford, east London, Smith’s journey into acting began early. Her family moved to Oxford before World War II, where her father worked at Oxford University. She made her stage debut in the 1950s and soon became a fixture on London’s West End and Broadway. By 1964, she had shared the stage with Laurence Olivier in Othello, a performance she later reprised in film.

Smith won her first Academy Award in 1969 for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and a second in 1978 for California Suite. Throughout her career, she earned numerous accolades, including BAFTAs for her roles in A Room with a View and The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne. She was honored as a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1990.

In her later years, Maggie Smith continued to captivate audiences worldwide. Her portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series introduced her to younger generations, while her role as the sharp-tongued Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey earned her three Emmy Awards.

Her career spanned over six decades, and she became a beloved figure for her wit, talent, and grace. She is survived by her two sons and five grandchildren.