Iconic British actress Dame Margaret Natalie Smith, CH, DBE, has passed away at the age of 89, peacefully in hospital. Known for her sharp wit and masterful comedic roles, she had an extensive career on both stage and screen spanning over seven decades, making her one of Britain’s most recognizable and beloved actresses.
A statement released by her family through their publicist reads:
“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday, September 27.
An intensely private person, she was surrounded by close friends and family at the end. She leaves behind two sons and five loving grandchildren, all devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unwavering kindness during her final days.
We thank you for your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”
Dame Maggie Smith leaves behind a rich legacy of work that continues to inspire generations. While she may be best remembered by many for her role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film franchise, her career began at the young age of 17 with a role as Viola in Twelfth Night. She went on to appear in productions such as Cinderella, Rookery Nook, and The Government Inspector.
Known for her acerbic wit, she brought a sharp, often humorous edge to many of her characters, most notably as Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey, a role that earned her international acclaim.
Throughout her illustrious career, Dame Maggie won numerous prestigious awards. On Broadway, she received Tony Award nominations for Noël Coward’s Private Lives (1975) and Tom Stoppard’s Night and Day (1979), and she won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for Lettice and Lovage (1990).
In cinema, she won two Academy Awards: Best Actress for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and Best Supporting Actress for California Suite (1978). She also received Oscar nominations for Othello (1965), Travels with My Aunt (1972), A Room with a View (1985), and Gosford Park (2001). Her other notable film credits include Death on the Nile (1978), Hook (1991), Sister Act (1992), The Secret Garden (1993), The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012), Quartet (2012), and The Lady in the Van (2015).
Smith’s portrayal of Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey (2010–2015) brought her newfound attention and earned her three Primetime Emmy Awards, in addition to a prior win for the HBO film My House in Umbria (2003). Over the course of her career, she received numerous honorary awards, including the British Film Institute Fellowship in 1993, the BAFTA Fellowship in 1996, and the Society of London Theatre Special Award in 2010. She was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 1990.
In November 2020, Smith joined Kenneth Branagh, Judi Dench, Derek Jacobi, and Ian McKellen for a conversation on Zoom entitled For One Knight Only to support the charity Acting for Others. Branagh described the group as “the greatest quartet of Shakespearean actors on the planet” as they reminisced about the highs and lows of their careers. In April 2021, Smith appeared in a streaming event alongside Kathleen Turner in support of The Royal Theatrical Fund, an organization that provides assistance to those who have worked in the theatre industry.
Dame Maggie Smith was not just an actress; she was an icon. Her unparalleled career, filled with memorable roles and remarkable performances, has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. She was truly one of a kind, and her legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.
Photo Warner Bros