Actress Dame Maggie Smith, renowned for her sharp wit and indomitable spirit, has passed away at the age of 89. Her publicist confirmed that she died peacefully on Friday morning, surrounded by her loved ones.
Smith’s illustrious career spanned over seven decades, showcasing her talents on both stage and screen. Known for her petite stature, standing just under five-foot-five, casting directors quickly recognized her ability to embody formidable characters. Whether portraying the feisty Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films or the sharp-tongued Lady Violet in Downton Abbey, she left a lasting impression.
Her rise to prominence began in her teens as she graced the professional stage, eventually joining Britain’s National Theater and performing on Broadway. With her precise diction, Smith excelled in delivering witty lines in restoration comedies and Noel Coward plays. Her performance in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress in 1970.
Throughout the following years, she graced screens in films like Travels With My Aunt and Death on the Nile, and garnered acclaim on television in productions from Shakespeare classics to The Carol Burnett Show. Smith’s talents also earned her a second Oscar for her roles in Neil Simon’s California Suite.
In an exciting shift in her career, Smith took on iconic roles in films such as A Room with a View and Sister Act, and demonstrated her comedic talent in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel series. She continued to shine as she portrayed a captivatingly eccentric character in The Lady in the Van, and delivered a powerful performance in Shakespeare’s Richard III.
Smith’s career also saw her celebrated with several honors, including becoming a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, and later a Dame. Her fame surged during her portrayal of Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter series, which delighted younger audiences, while her role in Downton Abbey captivated viewers of all ages with her impeccable timing and humor.
Throughout her life, Maggie Smith captured the hearts of audiences for seven decades, leaving them longing for more of her remarkable presence.