Maggie Smith is remembered by many as the good-natured Professor McGonagall. (Source: Warner Bros.)
British actress and Oscar winner Maggie Smith has died. She died at the age of 89. In a statement her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin give context:
She passed away peacefully in hospital early on the morning of September 27th. She was a very private person and ended up being surrounded by her friends and family. She leaves behind 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 Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and tireless kindness during her final days.
Downton Abbey and Harry Potter
Born in 1934, Maggie Smith was one of the most sought-after actresses of her generation. She began her career at the Oxford Playhouse in the 1950s. Her film breakthrough came with a small role as a party guest in Child in the House (1956).
Maggie Smith has had a career with numerous nominations and awards. The two-time Oscar winner won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1969 for her role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and Best Supporting Actress for California Suite in 1978.
The Briton received particular international fame and recognition through her roles as Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey (2010-2015) and Professor McGonagall in numerous Harry Potter films (2001-2011).
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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 2 – Cinematic trailer for the final Potter film – Cinematic trailer for the final Potter film
Smith has appeared in over 70 film and television productions and has also appeared frequently on theater stages. Even after her cancer, she was still involved in Christopher Hampton’s production A Europe Life for six weeks in 2019.
In 1970 she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II and in 1990 she was made Dame Commander of the British Empire. This is a state order of merit that elevates the person to nobility.
The fans are mourning
Maggie Smith shaped the childhood and youth of many as Professor Minerva McGonagall. Many Harry Potter stars have left us in recent years – such as Alan Rickman in 2016 and Michael Gambon in 2023.
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On X, fans are shocked and sad about the news. Between shared memories and expressions of condolence there are many images from Harry Potter and raised wands – a gesture from the films that is intended to symbolize respect for the deceased.
If you would like to see Maggie Smith in her most famous roles again: You can currently find all 6 seasons of Downton Abbey on Netflix, and you can rent all Harry Potter films on Amazon Prime.
