Dame Maggie Smith, the esteemed British actress famous for her roles in Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter series, has passed away at 89. Her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, confirmed her death early on the morning of Friday, September 27, 2024, stating, “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital… with friends and family at the end.”
The family expressed their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, commending their “care and unstinting kindness” during her last days. She is survived by her two sons and five grandchildren, and her family has requested privacy during this challenging time.
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Dame Maggie Smith enjoyed an illustrious career that spanned over seven decades, establishing herself as a leading figure in British theatre, film, and television. She gained worldwide recognition for her roles as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films and the witty Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey.
