Dame Maggie Smith, beloved for her iconic role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film series, died on Friday, 27 September 2024. She was 89.
Story Summary:
- Maggie Smith has passed away at the age of 89.
- She was best known for her role as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter series.
- The legendary actress leaves behind a remarkable legacy in film, television, and theatre.
Maggie Smith dies: What’s the cause of death?
Smith’s sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, released a statement through the BBC saying:
“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.”
No further details about her cause of death have been made public.
Maggie Smith biography
Born Margaret Natalie Smith on 28 December 1934, in Ilford, Essex, Maggie Smith had a career that spanned more than seven decades.
She was recognised as one of Britain’s most distinguished actresses, with a repertoire that included numerous iconic performances on stage, film, and television.
Smith began her stage career in the 1950s and quickly became a fixture in British theatre, performing with the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company.
She won numerous awards, including two Academy Awards: Best Actress for “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” (1969) and Best Supporting Actress for “California Suite” (1978).
Over her illustrious career, Smith was honoured with five BAFTA Awards, four Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Tony Award, making her one of the few to achieve the prestigious Triple Crown of Acting.
To many, Smith will be forever remembered for her portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series (2001–2011), where she captivated audiences worldwide.
In addition to her Harry Potter fame, she also starred in other popular films such as Sister Act, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Hook, and The Lady in the Van.
On television, she earned widespread acclaim for her role as Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, in the hit series Downton Abbey.
Smith was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1990, officially becoming Dame Maggie Smith.
Reactions to Maggie’s death
Tributes have been flooding in from around the world following Maggie Smith’s passing. Many fans, colleagues, and public figures have taken to social media to honour her legacy.
Here are some of the reactions we picked:
