DameMaggie Smithhas passed away. Smith was an actress who had a prolific career in film and television. She was born in the United Kingdom in 1934 and began her career in acting in the 1950s, when she was in her early 20s. She continued working throughout the majority of her life, with her most recent role beingThe Miracle Clubin 2023, wherein she played Lily Fox.
PerBBC, Smith has sadly passed away.She was 89 years old. Her death was announced in conjunction with a statement from her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, who announced the death of their mother by saying “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.” They mention that she passed away in the hospital early this morning, Friday, September 27. Larkin and Stephen thank the hospital staff for their work and noted that Smith left behind “two sons and five loving grandchildren.” The full statement can be found below:
It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.
She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September. An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days.
We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.
Maggie Smith’s Career In Film & Television
Smith Won Two Oscars For Her Acting
After beginning her career in the 1950s,Smith continued her careerin acting throughout the 1960s, primarily in film. She played Desdemona in the 1965 film adaptation of Shakespeare’sOthello, a role which earned her her first Oscar nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Four years later, the actor won herfirst Oscar for Best Actress for her part inThe Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. Smith would go on to be nominated for four more Oscars, winning one additional Oscar forCalifornia Suite.
Though her most acclaimed work was in films likeGosford ParkandA Room with A View, Smith was later best known in popular culture for her role in theHarry Potterfranchise. Beginning withHarry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stonein 2001, Smith played the iconic Professor McGonagall throughout the series. Years after debuting inHarry Potter, Smith played a role in the hit television seriesDownton Abbey, where she played Violet Crawley. Prior to her death, Smith was slated to appear in the filmA German Life.
The 10 Best Maggie Smith Roles That Aren’t Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter (According to Rotten Tomatoes)
Harry Potter fans may know Dame Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall, but the British star has an impressive filmography. Lady Violet Crawley, anyone?
Smith Will Be Remembered For The Breadth Of Her Filmography
Smith Aged Well With Her Roles
One of the elements that impresses me most about Maggie Smith’s filmography is not just its longevity, but how she was able to transform her career at different stages of her life. Smith is great as the main love interest inA Room with a View, but she is just as endearing and standout in the 2015 filmThe Lady in the Van. The latter title seesSmith’s age and the aging process as a vital part of her character, which I think she handled with grace. So too was how she handled her acting career.
