Veteran actress Dame Maggie Smith has passed away at the age of 89. The news was confirmed by her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin through a joint statement. She passed away peacefully in hospital with her family by her side.
The family said that they were ‘devastated’ by the loss. Popularly known for the dynamic character of Professor McGonagall, Smith had a career spanning over seven decades. She achieved numerous awards for her prolific work including two Academy Awards, five BAFTA awards, Emmy awards, Golden Globe Awards, and a Tony Award.
Smith is said to be among the 14 actresses to have achieved the Triple Crown of Acting winning the highest accolades for film, television and theatre. Besides the Harry Potter film franchise, some of her most notable works include Downton Abbey, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, and My House in Umbria, among others.
She leaves behind two sons and five grandchildren.