The world mourns the loss of Dame Maggie Smith, an iconic actress who brought magic and class to every role. Join us as we reflect on her extraordinary career!
The entertainment world is enveloped in mourning with the passing of Oscar-winning actress Dame Maggie Smith at the age of 89. Known for her remarkable versatility and screen presence, Smith enchanted audiences for decades with her stellar performances in landmark productions such as ‘Downton Abbey’ and the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise. Her family announced her death in a statement, highlighting the difficulty of the loss to their intensely private, yet immensely talented matriarch, who took her final bow in a London hospital.
Born in Essex in 1934, Maggie Smith began her illustrious career in the 1950s, embarking on a journey that would make her a household name. From the indomitable Miss Jean Brodie in ‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie’—a role that won her an Academy Award—to her portrayal as Professor Minerva McGonagall in J.K. Rowling’s beloved ‘Harry Potter’ series, Smith showcased her ability to navigate an array of characters with both depth and wit. The films not only sparked a new generation of fans but also solidified her status as a timeless icon.
Beyond the silver screen, Smith made a significant impact on stage, proving her mettle time and again with performances that left audiences spellbound. Her sharp wit as the Dowager Countess in ‘Downton Abbey’ became a defining signature of her career. Audiences couldn’t get enough of her no-nonsense attitude and clever retorts, underlining why she was not just an actress but a true theatrical force. Critics and fans alike recognized her ability to infuse warmth into even the most formidable of characters, making her performances memorable regardless of the role.
The accolades Smith received throughout her career speak volumes; she was an Oscar winner, a Tony winner, and an Emmy winner. Outside her on-screen accomplishments, she was also a passionate advocate for the arts, having served as a mentor for many up-and-coming actors and actresses. Dame Maggie Smith’s legacy will undoubtedly remain alive in the hearts of millions, reminding us of the magic and elegance she brought to the world.
Fun fact: Did you know that Maggie Smith didn’t initially plan for a career in acting? She studied at the Oxford University, intending to become a teacher before she was swept away by the stage! Also, she was honoured with the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 1990 for her extraordinary contributions to drama, highlighting her lasting impact on the cultural landscape.
The British star, known for prominent roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, as well as her Academy Award-winning performance in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie ...
Actress Dame Maggie Smith, known for the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey, has died at the age of 89, her family has said. A legend of British stage and ...
The actress died in hospital, her children Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens said. In a statement, they said: "An intensely private person, she was with ...
In a career that began in the 1950s, her roles ranged from Desdemona to Miss Jean Brodie, Virginia Woolf and Minerva McGonagall.
MAGGIE SMITH, THE Oscar-winning British actress best known for her roles in Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter films, has died at the age of 89.
Dame Maggie Smith, who has died aged 89, had an incredibly varied career as a star of stage, screen and TV – from The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie to Downton ...
Iconic British actress Maggie Smith — known globally for her roles in 'Harry Potter' and 'Downton Abbey' — has died at the age of 89.
They married in 1967 but divorced in 1974. The film industry began to recognise her abilities and she was given several supporting roles. Dame Judi Dench, left, ...
Oscar, Emmy, and Tony-winning actress Maggie Smith played everything from wistful ingenues in Shakespeare to Harry Potter's Prof. McGonagall and the Dowager ...
Maggie Smith, the stern Professor McGonagall in the "Harry Potter" movie franchise and the tart-tongued Dowager Countess on "Downton Abbey," has died, ...
Oscar, Emmy, and Tony-winning actress Maggie Smith played everything from wistful ingenues in Shakespeare to Harry Potter's Prof. McGonagall and the Dowager ...
Her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens said she died in hospital on Friday morning. They said in a statement: “An intensely private person, she was with ...
Smith was one of the most versatile, accomplished and meticulous actresses of her generation, her repertoire ranging from Shakespeare to character parts in ...
Known by a generation as Professor McGonagle in Harry Potter, Smith was known for roles in Sister Act, and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
Maggie Smith, who was known for her roles in Downton Abbey and Harry Potter, has died at the age of 89.
It has been announced this afternoon that legendary stage and screen actress Dame Maggie Smith has sadly died aged 89.
Maggie Smith, one of the finest British stage and screen actors of all time with oscar winning roles in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie to the chilling ...
One of Britain's best loved performers who was as much at home with comedy as with drama.
Learn about the extraordinary career and life of the celebrated stage, film, and television actress and beloved Downton Abbey star.
To mark the passing of veteran stage of the screen and stage Maggie Smith, we take a look back at her life and career in pictures.
She won over a new generation of fans when she starred in the Harry Potter films.
Dame Maggie Smith, who has died in London at the age of 89, was a singular talent on stage and screen.
During her career, actor Dame Maggie Smith shone in roles as varied as a maverick schoolteacher, a witch in the Harry Potter film series, ...
Dame Maggie Smith won a best actress Oscar in 1970 but found an even wider profile in the last years of her career.
Dame Maggie Smith, the consummate English actress who immortalized such characters as Jean Brodie (The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie), Diana Barrie (California ...
The writer of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel remembers working with an actor impossible to separate from her withering but warm screen persona.
British actress Dame Maggie Smith had an extensive career in theater and movies, gaining international acclaim in later roles in "Harry Potter" and "Downton ...
Oscar, Emmy and Tony winning actress Maggie Smith, who played everything from ingenues in Shakespeare to Harry Potter's Prof. McGonagall and the dowager ...
Maggie Smith's trademark biting wit laced with sarcasm and vinegar both deepened and mellowed with age in roles like 'Downton Abbey.'
She won over a new generation of fans when she starred in the Harry Potter films.
Her stage work in the 1970s in Canada gave her a chance to reinvent herself and reach wonderful levels of performance.
Harry Potter and Downton Abbey stars were among those remembering the late actress.
Versatile star whose work across eight decades spanned crowd-pleasing comedy, Shakespearean tragedy and wizardry.
She was a multi award-winning actress - but Dame Maggie Smith never loved the limelight.
Jean Brodie, Minerva McGonagall, Violet Crawley: Maggie Smith embodied these memorable roles on stage and screen. NPR's Scott Simon has a remembrance of the ...
Jean Brodie, Minerva McGonagall, Violet Crawley: Maggie Smith embodied these memorable roles on stage and screen. NPR's Scott Simon has a remembrance of the ...