Storied Actress Dame Maggie Smith Passes Away At 89

TV & Film

Oct 1

Dame Maggie Smith, a legend both on and off the screen, passed away at 89.

Her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin shared the news of her passing on Friday, September 27. They said that she passed away “peacefully in hospital early this morning” and went on to thank the hospital staff for their unyielding kindness and respect that they showed their family. The news quickly spread across social media as the legend’s co-stars and friends paid their respects. Fellow Harry Potter co-stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson shared their love for the actress, remembering her for her kindness, intellect, and charm. Grint shared on Instagram that he felt incredibly lucky to have shared the screen and “particularly a dance” with her.

Dame Maggie Smith was known for her incredible talent both on and off the stage. She began acting in 1952 when she was 18 years old, and she went on to have a legendary career. She was nominated for countless awards and won two Academy Awards, five BAFTAs, three Golden Globes, four Primetime Emmys, five Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Tony. She is also one of 14 actresses to have achieved the Triple Crown of Acting, meaning that she has won the highest awards for film, television, and theater. She is best known for playing Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series and Violet Crowley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, in Downton Abbey, but she also appeared in so many other incredible projects like Hook, Sister Act 1 & 2, The Secret Garden, and the original Death on the Nile.

As we honor her storied career and impact on all of those who met her, there is only one last thing to do. Raise a wand for our beloved Professor.