Dame Maggie Smith, one of Britain’s most illustrious actresses, has died aged 89.
A statement from her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin said the Harry Potter and Downton Abbey star died peacefully in hospital earlier today, surrounded by her family.
The statement read: ‘She was an intensely private person and was with friends and family at the end. She is survived by two sons and five loving grandchildren, who are devastated by the loss of their special mother and grandmother.”
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Keir Starmer – Dame Maggie became a real national treasure
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has sent his condolences to Dame Maggie’s family and paid tribute to the actress as a ‘true national treasure’ who will be ‘cherished for generations to come’.
Here is his tweet on X.
Hugh Bonneville – Dame Maggie was ‘true legend of her generation’
Dame Maggie’s Downton Abbey co-star Hugh Bonneville has paid tribute to the actress as a ‘true legend of her generation’ whose ‘magnificent’ performances will live long in the memory.
Bonneville told the BBC: “Anyone who has ever shared a scene with Maggie will testify to her sharp eyes, sharp wit and formidable talent.”
Dame Maggie Smith didn’t hold back when discussing her role in hit TV drama Downtown Abbey.
The 89-year-old actress, who died today, admitted in 2015 that she had never seen a single episode of the show.
But eventually she got around to it after she had some more time.
Dame Maggie Smith: A Life in Photographs
Let’s take a look at some photos from Dame Maggie’s illustrious career, which started as a teenager on stage in the 1950s through to 2023.
Dame Maggie Smith rehearses for Peter Pan with Dave Allen in 1973
Made in 1997 at the Evening Standards Drama Awards
She was awarded the Best Supporting Actress Bafta by Ralph Fiennes in 2000 for her role in the film Tea With Mussolini
Dame Maggie arrives at the New York premiere of Gosford Park in 2001
Dame Maggie posed for 12 days before turning 87 in December 2015
Rishi Sunak – She touched many lives, across many generations
Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has posted his condolences on social media, describing Dame Maggie as an “icon” of stage and screen.
Gyles Brandreth – Dame Maggie was unique in every way
Gyles Brandreth was one of the first to pay tribute to Dame Maggie, describing her as ‘unique in every way’ after her death with a post on X.
The saddest news: Dame Maggie Smith’s death marks the end of a golden era and a very special life.
She was truly a wonderful actress, ‘one of the greats’ and simply the best company: wise, witty, lush, wonderful. Unique in every respect and therefore irreplaceable.
Dame Maggie Smith – her most famous roles
Born on December 28, 1934 in Ilford, Essex, Dame Maggie was an internationally recognized actress for much of her life after playing fanatical teacher Jean Brodie in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie.
She also won over Harry Potter fans later in life, when she appeared in the film series as the smart, kind and formidable Professor McGonagall.
And in 2010 she was central to the success of the ITV series Downton Abbey, in her Emmy-winning role as the acerbic Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, which she continued to play in the films.
She was nominated six times at the Academy Awards, two for leading role and four for supporting role, and won twice for her portrayals of Jean Brodie and Diana Barrie in the 1978 film California Suite.
Dame Maggie Smith at the Oscars
42nd Academy Awards: Best Actress in a Leading Role, win, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)
51st Academy Awards: Best Actress in a Supporting Role, win, California Suite (1978)
45th Academy Awards: Best Actress in a Leading Role, nomination, Travels with My Aunt (1972)
38th Academy Awards: Best Actress in a Supporting Role, nomination, for Othello (1965)
59th Academy Awards: Best Actress in a Supporting Role, nomination, for A Room with a View (1986)
74th Academy Awards: Best Actress in a Supporting Role, nomination, for Gosford Park (2001)
Dame Maggie Smith death: full family statement
Dame Maggie Smith died in hospital, her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens said.
In a statement issued through their publicist, they said:
It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.
She passed away peacefully in hospital this morning, Friday 27 September.
She was an intensely private person and was with friends and family at the end. She is survived by two sons and five loving grandchildren, devastated by the loss of their special mother and grandmother.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and continued 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.
Oscar-winning actress Dame Maggie Smith died in hospital this morning aged 89, her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens have revealed.
In a statement issued through their publicist, they said: ‘It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.
‘She passed away peacefully in hospital this morning, Friday 27 September.
Good afternoon
Hello and welcome to MailOnline’s live report following the death of Dame Maggie Smith aged 89.
The Harry Potter and Downton Abbey star passed away peacefully in hospital today, surrounded by her family.
The two-time Academy Award winner was one of Britain’s most illustrious actresses with a career on stage and screen that spanned seven decades.
Stay tuned as we bring you the latest tribute to Dame Maggie
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