Sat Sep 28 12:24:46 UTC 2024: ## Dame Maggie Smith, National Treasure of Stage and Screen, Passes Away at 89
Dame Maggie Smith, the acclaimed actress best known for her roles in the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey, has passed away at the age of 89. Tributes have poured in from across the globe, recognizing her as a true legend of stage and screen.
King Charles III described Smith as a “national treasure,” while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer highlighted her beloved talent. Numerous co-stars from her eight-decade career have also shared their heartfelt memories.
Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe fondly remembered Smith’s “fierce intellect and gloriously sharp tongue,” while Miriam Margolyes described her as “the best of the best,” combining “ferocity, a glint of mischief, delight and tenderness. And enormous courage.”
Smith’s career was marked by both critical acclaim and a unique ability to bring both comedy and drama to life with equal skill. She won two Academy Awards, for “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” and “California Suite,” and was nominated for four others. She also received seven BAFTA awards.
Her iconic roles include Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise, Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey, and the formidable Reverend Mother in the “Sister Act” films.
Beyond her cinematic success, Smith was a revered figure in the theater world, earning numerous accolades and inspiring countless aspiring actors.
In a statement, her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, described her as an “intensely private person” who “leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
Tributes from fellow actors and filmmakers have lauded Smith’s talent, kindness, and unwavering spirit. The legacy of this exceptional actress, who touched the lives of millions with her unforgettable performances, will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come.
First Piper 