LONDON – Dame Maggie Smith, the iconic British actress known for her Oscar-winning performance in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and for roles such as the Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey and Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series, passed away on Friday at the age of 89. Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, confirmed her death in a statement, noting that she passed away in a London hospital, leaving behind two sons and five grandchildren.
Smith was widely regarded as one of the greatest British actresses of her generation, often compared to fellow luminaries like Vanessa Redgrave and Judi Dench. She was the recipient of numerous awards, including two Oscars, multiple BAFTAs, Golden Globes, and a Tony Award.
Despite her extensive film and stage career, Smith remained in high demand in her later years, even jokingly referring to her role as Professor McGonagall as her “pension.” Her sharp wit and intelligence were often highlighted by those who worked with her, including director Richard Eyre, who called her “intellectually the smartest actress” he’d ever known.
Smith’s performance as the formidable Edinburgh schoolteacher in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress, and she later won a second Oscar for California Suite (1978). Her stage work was equally celebrated, with notable roles in productions like Lettice and Lovage, for which she won a Tony Award in 1990.
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From 2010 onwards, Smith gained legions of new fans as the acid-tongued Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey, a role that won her three Emmys and a Golden Globe. Despite her fondness for the role, she admitted relief when the show concluded in 2016, expressing a desire for “freedom” from the demands of television fame.
Her career spanned more than seven decades, with standout performances in films such as A Room with a View, The VIPs, and Gosford Park. She continued to work into her 80s, appearing in Downton Abbey film adaptations and The Miracle Club in 2023.
Known for her sharp wit, Smith acknowledged she could be impatient at times, saying, “I don’t tolerate fools, but then they don’t tolerate me either.” However, her talent was universally recognized, with fellow actors and directors lauding her skill and presence. Actor Hugh Bonneville, who played her son in Downton Abbey, described her as “a true legend of her generation.”
Maggie Smith was born on December 28, 1934, in Ilford, east London. After studying theatre in Oxford, she was invited by Laurence Olivier to join the original National Theatre company, a move that helped launch her illustrious career. She was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 1990.
Smith was married twice, first to actor Robert Stephens, with whom she had two sons, and later to writer Beverley Cross.
Despite her on-screen success, Smith was known for her private nature and reluctance to discuss acting, fearing it might diminish the magic of her craft. Nonetheless, her legacy is cemented through her numerous unforgettable roles, ensuring she will be remembered for generations to come.
