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Dame Maggie Smith, the iconic British actress renowned for her roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, passed away on Friday, September 27, 2024, at the age of 89. Her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, confirmed her peaceful passing in a hospital, surrounded by friends and family.
Smith's illustrious career spanned over six decades, during which she showcased her versatility in over 80 films and TV shows.Her remarkable skills led to her winning two Academy Awards: Best Actress for "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" (1969) and Best Supporting Actress for "California Suite" (1978). She also garnered four Golden Globe Awards and four additional Oscar nominations.
In recent years, Smith captivated audiences as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films and as Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey. Her portrayal of the Dowager Countess earned her three Emmy Awards, though she famously admitted to never watching the series herself.
Smith's journey in the performing arts began in 1952 with her stage debut as Viola in "Twelfth Night." Her first film credit came in 1956 with an uncredited appearance in "Child in the House." Throughout her career, she seamlessly transitioned between tragedy and comedy, earning praise from directors like Alan Bennett, who noted, "The boundary between laughter and tears is where Maggie is always poised."
In 1990, Queen Elizabeth II recognized Smith's contributions to the arts by making her a Dame. Later, in 2014, she was inducted into the Order of Companions of Honor, joining the ranks of Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Judi Dench.
Despite her fame, Smith valued her privacy. She once told The Telegraph, "Everything's an icon. If you have been around long enough you are an icon. A rather dusty icon, or a national treasure." Her last public appearances were in the Downton Abbey films in 2019 and 2022.
Smith's passing marks the end of an era in British cinema and theater. Her legacy lives on through her extensive body of work and the countless lives she touched through her performances. She is survived by her two sons and five grandchildren, who remember her as an "extraordinary mother and grandmother."
Smith's illustrious career spanned over six decades, during which she showcased her versatility in over 80 films and TV shows.Her remarkable skills led to her winning two Academy Awards: Best Actress for "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" (1969) and Best Supporting Actress for "California Suite" (1978). She also garnered four Golden Globe Awards and four additional Oscar nominations.
In recent years, Smith captivated audiences as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films and as Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey. Her portrayal of the Dowager Countess earned her three Emmy Awards, though she famously admitted to never watching the series herself.
Smith's journey in the performing arts began in 1952 with her stage debut as Viola in "Twelfth Night." Her first film credit came in 1956 with an uncredited appearance in "Child in the House." Throughout her career, she seamlessly transitioned between tragedy and comedy, earning praise from directors like Alan Bennett, who noted, "The boundary between laughter and tears is where Maggie is always poised."
In 1990, Queen Elizabeth II recognized Smith's contributions to the arts by making her a Dame. Later, in 2014, she was inducted into the Order of Companions of Honor, joining the ranks of Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Judi Dench.
Despite her fame, Smith valued her privacy. She once told The Telegraph, "Everything's an icon. If you have been around long enough you are an icon. A rather dusty icon, or a national treasure." Her last public appearances were in the Downton Abbey films in 2019 and 2022.
Smith's passing marks the end of an era in British cinema and theater. Her legacy lives on through her extensive body of work and the countless lives she touched through her performances. She is survived by her two sons and five grandchildren, who remember her as an "extraordinary mother and grandmother."
