Illustrious British actress Maggie Smith dies aged 89

British actress Maggie Smith, beloved by the general public for her iconic roles as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” saga and Countess Violet Crawley in the “Downton Abbey” series, has died aged 89. Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, announced the sad news on Friday, September 27, in a statement to Sky News.

According to their statement, Maggie Smith passed away “peacefully this morning at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London”. “She leaves behind two loving sons and five grandchildren, all deeply saddened by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother,” they said. The family also wished to thank the public for the countless messages of support, while asking that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.

A career crowned with success and honours

Born on December 28, 1934 in Ilford, south-east England, Margaret Natalie Smith began her theatrical career at the prestigious Oxford Playhouse in the 1950s. She then moved on to the Old Vic in London and the Royal National Theatre, where she rubbed shoulders with some of the world’s greatest talents, including her husband at the time, actor Robert Stephens.

From the 1960s onwards, her film career took off, propelling her into the ranks of the most acclaimed British actresses of her generation. Renowned for her unique stage presence and polymorphous talent, Maggie Smith has been honored with numerous awards over the decades: two Oscars for The Beautiful Years of Miss Brodie (1970) and California Hotel (1978), six BAFTAs, three Golden Globes, three Emmy Awards and a Tony Award, to name but the most prestigious distinctions.

A priceless artistic legacy

In addition to her landmark roles in “Harry Potter” and “Downton Abbey”, Maggie Smith has shone in a host of cult films, including Room With A View (1986), Death on the Nile (1978), Hook (1991), Sister Act (1992) and Gosford Park (2001). His inimitable style, combining humor, rigor and a certain amount of ferocity, has shaped his reputation on international stages.

In recognition of her contribution to the arts, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1990, and a Companion of Honor in 2014. Despite a career rich in triumphs, Maggie Smith has faced serious personal challenges. She survived breast cancer diagnosed in 2007, bravely continuing the filming of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince while undergoing chemotherapy. “I was as bald as an egg,” she humorously told The Times that same year.

A life dedicated to theater, cinema and family

Maggie Smith leaves behind not only a lasting artistic legacy, but also two sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, from her union with actor Robert Stephens. Their respective careers bear witness to the lasting influence of this great lady on the world of entertainment.

Celebrated for her high artistic standards and unwavering dedication to her craft, Maggie Smith will forever remain in the hearts of her admirers as one of the most brilliant and inspiring figures in British theater and film.

Rest in peace, Dame Maggie Smith.