Maggie Smith, the beloved actress identified for her roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, has handed away on the age of 89. Her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, shared the heartbreaking information on Friday, September 27. In an announcement by means of publicist Clair Dobbs, they stated, “It’s with nice unhappiness we now have to announce the dying of Dame Maggie Smith.”

They revealed that she handed away peacefully at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, surrounded by shut family and friends. “She leaves two sons and 5 loving grandchildren who’re devastated by the lack of their extraordinary mom and grandmother,” the assertion continued. In addition they expressed their gratitude to the hospital workers for his or her kindness throughout her remaining days, and requested privateness throughout this troublesome time.

Maggie Smith’s profession spanned over 70 years, with greater than 50 movies and quite a few tv and theater roles to her identify. She gained two Academy Awards, first in 1969 for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and later in 1978 for California Suite. Along with her two Oscars, she gained 4 Golden Globe Awards and obtained a number of different nominations.

Born in Ilford, England, in 1934, Smith made her stage debut at 18 in a manufacturing of Twelfth Evening. Her first movie function got here in 1956 in Youngster within the Home. Over the following a number of many years, she grew to become a well-known face on stage and display screen, starring in basic movies like Sister Act and Tea with Mussolini.

She gained international fame amongst youthful generations as Professor Minerva McGonagall within the Harry Potter movie collection, beginning with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in 2001. Maggie continued her profession with main success within the well-liked BBC collection Downton Abbey, the place she performed the sharp-tongued Dowager Countess Violet Crawley. For her efficiency, she gained three Emmy Awards.

Talking about her repute for taking part in strong-willed characters, Smith as soon as stated, “It’s true I don’t tolerate fools, however then they don’t tolerate me, so I’m spiky.” She additionally joked, “Possibly that’s why I’m fairly good at taking part in spiky aged women.”

Regardless of her immense fame, Maggie Smith remained humble. In a 2014 interview with The Telegraph, she shared how her function in Downton Abbey led to followers recognizing her on the streets for the primary time. She stated, “I really like wandering round alone and I simply couldn’t. It was very troublesome if you’re by yourself as a result of you haven’t any escape.”

Smith additionally spoke about her legacy after receiving the Night Normal Icon Award. She stated, “Every thing’s an icon. You probably have been round lengthy sufficient you’re an icon. A slightly dusty icon, or a nationwide treasure.”

Smith was married twice, first to actor Robert Stephens, with whom she had her two sons. They divorced in 1975, and he or she later married playwright Beverley Cross, who handed away in 1998. When requested about loneliness in a uncommon interview, she admitted, “It appears a bit pointless, occurring one’s personal and never having somebody to share it with.”

Maggie Smith is survived by her two sons, Toby and Chris, and her 5 grandchildren. She shall be remembered as a real icon of stage and display screen, cherished by generations of followers.