Maggie Smith, the beloved and versatile British actress, has passed away at the age of 89. Known for her unforgettable roles in Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter films, Smith’s career spanned decades, earning her global acclaim and the hearts of audiences everywhere. On Friday, her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, confirmed her passing in a London hospital. “She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother,” the family said in a statement through publicist Clair Dobbs.
A Stellar Career Across Stage and Screen
Smith’s journey in acting began in the 1950s, and she quickly established herself as one of the finest performers of her generation, alongside legends like Vanessa Redgrave and Judi Dench. She won her first Oscar for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and later earned another for California Suite (1978). Smith accumulated various prestigious awards throughout her career, including BAFTAs, Golden Globes, and a Tony Award for Lettice and Lovage.
Her remarkable versatility was evident in roles as varied as a charming schoolteacher in Jean Brodie, an older Wendy in Hook, and the sharp-tongued mother superior in Sister Act. Smith embraced Shakespearean tragedy in Othello and ventured into light-hearted animation with her voice role in Gnomeo & Juliet (2011).
A Scene-Stealing Legend
Many who worked with Smith described her as both brilliant and demanding. Richard Burton once remarked that in their film The VIPs, Smith didn’t merely act—“She commits grand larceny.” Director Peter Hall echoed this sentiment but emphasized that Smith wasn’t difficult unless surrounded by “idiots.” Known for her sharp wit, Smith herself admitted, “It’s true I don’t tolerate fools, but then they don’t tolerate me, so I am spiky.”
Her wit shone brightly in Downton Abbey, where she portrayed Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, with razor-sharp dialogue. One of her memorable lines—“What is a weekend?”—became iconic, exemplifying her character’s comedic brilliance.
A Quiet but Impactful Private Life
Despite her fame, Smith was known for keeping her personal life private. She was married twice, first to actor Robert Stephens and later to writer Beverley Cross, with whom she remained until his passing in 1998. Reflecting on her life, she said, “One went to school, one wanted to act, one started to act, one’s still acting.”
Smith’s children followed in her footsteps, both becoming actors. Her legacy extends beyond her family through her work, which will continue to inspire audiences for generations. Rob Lowe, who acted with her in Suddenly, Last Summer, praised her talent, saying, “Sharing a two-shot was like being paired with a lion… She could eat anyone alive and often did. We will never see another. God speed, Ms. Smith!”
An Unmatched Legacy
Smith’s career spanned over six decades, with her last performances appearing in the Downton Abbey sequels and the 2023 film The Miracle Club. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called her “a true national treasure,” and King Charles III and Queen Camilla reflected on her legacy, stating, “As the curtain comes down on a national treasure, we join all those around the world in remembering with the fondest admiration and affection her many great performances.”
Maggie Smith’s passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy will continue through her unforgettable roles and enduring impact on the entertainment world. As actor Hugh Bonneville said, “She was a true legend of her generation and thankfully will live on in so many magnificent screen performances.” From her role as Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter to her commanding presence in Downton Abbey, Smith’s talent, humor, and wit will forever remain a cherished part of film and theater history.
