The famous British actress Maggie Smith, celebrated for her notable performances in the Harry Potter films and the television show Downton Abbey, passed away at 89. Her family announced her death in a statement from her children, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, on Friday (27). Maggie passed away in a London hospital, with loved ones by her side. The specific cause of her death was not disclosed.
Lady Maggie Smith passed away peacefully in the hospital on Friday morning, leaving behind a remarkable life and legacy, as stated by their children.
The family expressed gratitude to the medical staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care during the actress’s final days and requested privacy during their mourning. Maggie Smith encountered personal struggles in 2008 while filming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, as she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent chemotherapy treatments.
Maggie not only had cancer but also coped with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder impacting the thyroid and leading to eye issues.
A successful professional journey
Margaret Natalie “Maggie” Smith, born in Ilford, Essex, UK, has had a highly acclaimed career in theater, film, and television. She is best known for her roles in over 60 films and memorable performances in esteemed productions, such as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series and Lady Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey, for which she received accolades including a Golden Globe and three Emmys.
Maggie Smith was a versatile artist who achieved fame in various fields, including theater and film. She won two Academy Awards for her performances in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” (1969) and “California Suite” (1978), as well as receiving accolades like the Tony Award, Baftas, and Golden Globes.
Her performances in stage productions at the Royal National Theatre and Old Vic, alongside her first husband Robert Stephens, were highly acclaimed. Maggie was honored as a Lady of the Order of the British Empire in 1990 and received the Order of the Companions of Honor in 2014 for her theatrical achievements.
Maggie showcased a diverse range of characters in films, including the mother superior in Habit Change (1992), the neurotic Charlotte Bartlett in A Window for Love (1986), and the eccentric The Lady of Van (2015), among other memorable roles.
Maggie was previously married to Robert Stephens and later tied the knot with playwright Beverley Cross, with whom she resided in Canada for a period of time.
