Dame Maggie Smith, best known for her memorable performance as Dowager Countess Violet Crawley on the hit series Downton Abbey, has died at the age of 89.
Her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin released a statement to the BBC this morning that read: "It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. 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.
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days.
"We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time."
Smith appeared in all six seasons of the TV series Downton Abbey, as well as two following films, titled Downton Abbey and Downton Abbey: A New Era, in which her character passed away from cancer. Another Downton Abbey film has been filmed and will hit theaters in 2025. She also played Professor McGonagall in seven of the Harry Potter films.
Smith won her first Oscar in 1970, for her lead performance in the title role of the British film The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. Just nine years later came her second Oscar win, as Best Supporting Actress for the film California Suite. She was nominated a total of six times.
Smith also won seven BAFTA awards, four Emmy awards (three of those for Downton Abbey), three Golden Globes and a Tony Award.
In 1989, Smith was given the title of "Dame" by Queen Elizabeth II for her accomplishments in drama. In 2014, Queen Elizabeth bestowed Smith with an Order of Companions of Honour.
Born in England in 1934, Smith was married to British playwright Beverley Cross from 1975 until his death in 1998. She has two sons, Chris and Toby, from her first marriage to actor Robert Stephens. ~Alexandra Heilbron
Such a shame. She was a wonderful actress and I am sure she will be missed by all who knew her.
I am so sorry about the passing of Maggie Smith I truly did enjoy her performance in A Room With A View and also in Downtown Abbey. She was really good as the mother in law and grandmother in Downtown Abbey. I hope that the family and friends can take some comfort in her life and and special moments and memories. Anne Wright
I am so sorry about the passing of Maggie Smith I truly did enjoy her performance in A Room With A View and also in Downtown Abbey. She was really good as the mother in law and grandmother in Downtown Abbey. I hope that the family and friends can take some comfort in her life, special moments,and memories. Anne Wright