Fri Sep 27 21:03:54 UTC 2024: ## Dame Maggie Smith, Acclaimed British Actress, Dies at 89
**LONDON** – Dame Maggie Smith, the celebrated British actress known for her masterful performances on stage and screen, died Friday at the age of 89.
Smith’s sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, announced her passing in a statement, revealing she died peacefully at a London hospital.
Widely considered one of the greatest British actresses of her generation, Smith won an Academy Award for her portrayal of the charismatic schoolteacher Miss Jean Brodie in the 1969 film “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.” She also earned a supporting actress Oscar for “California Suite” in 1978.
Smith’s career spanned decades, with numerous awards and nominations, including a Tony Award for her role in the 1990 play “Lettice and Lovage.” Her later career saw her garnering new fans for her roles as the dowager Countess of Grantham in “Downton Abbey” and Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films.
Despite her stature, Smith remained self-deprecating, often quipping about her “granny era” roles and describing them as “a gallery of grotesques.”
Smith’s talent and wit were undeniable, with many collaborators praising her intellect and sharp comedic timing. Director Richard Eyre described her as “intellectually the smartest actress I’ve ever worked with,” while actor Richard Burton remarked that she “commits grand larceny” when she takes over a scene.
Known for her intensity and demanding nature, Smith admitted to being impatient, explaining, “It’s true I don’t tolerate fools, but then they don’t tolerate me, so I am spiky.”
Despite her private nature, Smith’s extraordinary talent and iconic performances will continue to be celebrated and cherished by audiences worldwide.
First Piper 