Dame Maggie Smith Obituary

Dame Maggie Smith, a beloved and iconic figure in British stage and screen, has passed away at the age of 89 on September 27, 2024. Known for her extraordinary talent and career spanning over seven decades, Smith’s contributions to film, television, and theatre have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.

Smith gained international acclaim with her Academy Award-winning performance in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1969 and later earned a second Oscar for her role in California Suite in 1979. While she shone in numerous roles, she became especially well-known to modern audiences as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series and as the sharp-tongued Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey, roles that garnered her legions of fans across generations.

In addition to her two Oscars, Dame Maggie’s accolades include five BAFTA Awards, four Emmys, and a Tony, placing her among the rare group of actors who have won the Triple Crown of Acting. She was made a Dame in 1990 for her contributions to the arts, cementing her status as one of Britain’s most revered performers.

She is survived by her two sons, actors Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, and five grandchildren. In a statement, her family expressed their gratitude for the care she received at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, asking for privacy as they mourn the loss of an extraordinary mother and grandmother. Funeral details have not yet been publicly shared, but in lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to theatre charities in her memory