Maggie Smith, the beloved star of “Downton Abbey” and “Harry Potter,” has passed away at the age of 89.
The news came as a heartfelt statement from her family, revealing, “An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end.” Those words resonate deeply, painting a picture of a woman who cherished her loved ones in her final moments. “She leaves 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 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,” the family concluded.
Born in Ilford, England, in 1934, Maggie Smith’s career unfolded like a well-written play. She captured hearts as Violet Crawley in “Downton Abbey” and enchanted audiences as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” series. Her artistry knew no bounds, transforming her roles into unforgettable characters that linger in the minds of many.
Smith’s journey in performing arts began in 1952, when she took on the role of Viola in Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” at the Oxford Playhouse. Her talent quickly broadened horizons, leading her to Broadway in 1956, where she shone brightly in “New Faces of ’56” at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. Each performance was not just a role; it was a revelation.
Her debut film, “Child in the House,” in the same year marked the beginning of an illustrious legacy. By 1959, Smith earned her first British Academy Film Award nomination for “Nowhere to Go.” Her talent continued to shine, earning her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress in “Othello” in 1965, and a coveted Academy Award for Best Actress for her remarkable performance in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” four years later.
Throughout a career spanning over six decades, Maggie Smith graced the screen and stage with authenticity and brilliance. Her accolades included two Academy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, four Emmy Awards, five Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Tony Award, showcasing a range of formidable talent rarely matched in the industry.
Smith’s family life was equally profound; she shared a marriage with Beverley Cross until his passing in March 1998. Their love story was one for the ages, rich with memories that transcended the silver screen.
Survived by her two sons, Chris Stephens and Toby Larkin, as well as her five beloved grandchildren, Smith leaves behind a legacy that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. A testament to the profound impact of family, her life reminds us of love’s enduring nature, even amidst profound loss.
