Maggie Smith, the legendary actress celebrated for her exceptional talent and unforgettable roles, passed away on Friday at the age of 89. Her death was confirmed by her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, who shared that she died peacefully in a London hospital early Friday morning. “She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother,” the family expressed in a statement issued through her publicist, Clair Dobbs.
Who Was Dame Maggie Smith?
Smith, renowned for her scene-stealing performances, earned widespread acclaim across multiple generations. She first captivated audiences with her Oscar-winning portrayal in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969), where she brought to life a compelling and controversial Edinburgh schoolteacher. This role cemented her place among the finest British actresses of her time, alongside contemporaries like Vanessa Redgrave and Judi Dench. In the later stages of her career, she reached new heights of popularity, particularly with younger audiences, through her roles as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series and the sharp-tongued Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey.
Smith’s career was studded with accolades, including a second Academy Award for her supporting role in California Suite (1978), numerous BAFTA wins, and Golden Globes for California Suite and A Room with a View. She often played complex characters, and even in her later years, she remained in high demand, although she once humorously remarked that being in the “granny era” made finding roles more challenging. She had an unmistakable wit and once dryly described her later career as filled with “a gallery of grotesques,” including her role as Professor McGonagall, for which she joked, “Harry Potter is my pension.”
Famed director Richard Eyre, who worked with Smith on Suddenly Last Summer, lauded her intelligence, calling her “the smartest actress I’ve ever worked with.” He noted her ability to stay several steps ahead of anyone on set, a testament to her sharp mind and extraordinary acting prowess.
Maggie Smith’s legacy as one of the finest British actors of all time is undeniable, her career spanning six decades of stellar performances. Her immense talent and remarkable body of work will ensure that she remains a cherished figure in cinema for generations to come.
ALSO READ: ‘Disaster In Making’: Bhool Bhualiyaa 3 Teaser Receives EXTREME Criticism From Fans
Read on Lehren - Harry Potter Star Dame Maggie Smith Dies At 89!
source https://lehren.com/entertainment/hollywood/harry-potter-star-dame-maggie-smith-dies-at-89/202789/