Oscar-winning Actress Maggie Smith Dies at 89

Renowned British actress and Oscar winner Dame Maggie Smith passed away on September 27 at a London hospital at the age of 89. Best known for her iconic role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series, Smith was celebrated for her remarkable talent across film, television, and theater.

Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, issued a statement saying, “Our extraordinary mother and grandmother has passed away, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered forever. We are devastated by her loss.”

Maggie Smith began her illustrious career in the 1950s in theater, where she worked with the legendary Laurence Olivier at Britain’s National Theatre. She rose to global prominence with her performance in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” (1969), for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress. In 1978, she secured another Oscar, this time for Best Supporting Actress, for her role in “California Suite.”

Smith was often considered one of the finest British actresses of her generation, alongside greats like Vanessa Redgrave and Judi Dench. Her role as the Dowager Countess in “Downton Abbey” and Professor McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” series earned her legions of new fans worldwide.

Despite her success, Maggie Smith was known for her no-nonsense attitude on set. Director Peter Hall once remarked that Smith didn’t tolerate foolishness, expecting the same level of professionalism from others as she did from herself.

Throughout her career, Smith received numerous accolades, including two Oscars, several BAFTAs, and Golden Globes. She was also a celebrated stage actress, winning a Tony Award in 1990 for “Lettice and Lovage.”

Smith’s film credits include unforgettable performances in films like “A Room with a View,” “Othello,” and “The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne.” Her talent for bringing depth and nuance to her roles made her one of the most respected figures in British cinema and theater.

Known for being intensely private, Smith was not one to engage in discussions about her craft. She preferred to let her work speak for itself.

In 1967, she married fellow actor Robert Stephens, with whom she had two sons. The couple divorced in 1975, and later that same year, she married writer Beverley Cross, who passed away in 1998.

Dame Maggie Smith’s death marks a significant loss for the entertainment world. Her legacy of incredible performances will continue to inspire generations to come.