Jennifer Garner paid tribute to her former costar, Maggie Smith, who died Friday at the age of 89.
On Saturday, the Alias star, 52, uploaded a heartfelt tribute in honor of the late Oscar-winning actress, who she first met on the set of the 1997 film Washington Square.
“Maggie Smith and I worked together almost thirty years ago on my very first film, Washington Square,” the mother of three recalls. ‘Maggie was the best introduction to the film industry, can you imagine? She was generous and kind, and so funny!’
Garner continued, “I took Maggie to HER very first baseball game, where we had a beer and cheered for the home team.”
“The photos of that day have been lost for years, but I cherish the memory,” she concluded. “RIP, Lady Maggie.”
Jennifer Garner paid tribute to her former costar, Maggie Smith, who died Friday at the age of 89; seen on September 24, 2024
Smith was a critically acclaimed actress, whose accolades included two Academy Awards wins for Best Actress for her performance in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and Best Supporting Actress for California Suite (1978), as well as five BAFTAs and three Gold Globes Awards. , and a Tony Award for Lettice And Lovage (1990).
Many younger fans know Smith from her iconic role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in all six Harry Potter films (2002-2011) and from the role of Violet Crawley in the British TV series Downton Abbey (2019) and Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022).
Born in Ilford, Essex, England, she made her professional debut on television in an episode of BBC Sunday-Night Theater (1955), followed by her film debut in the drama Child In The House (1956).
Some of her more popular films over the years have been Death On The Nile (1978), Clash Of The Titans (1981), A Room With A View (1985), Romeo.Juliet (1990), Hook (1991), Sister Act (1992), Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993), The First Wives Club (1996), Tea with Mussolini (1999).
Smith’s final film role came in the drama The Miracle Club (2023), in which she starred with Laura Linney, Kathy Bates and Stephen Rea.
It premiered last June at the Tribeca Festival in New York City.
Smith’s two sons confirmed their mother’s death through publicist Clair Dobbs on Friday morning.
“It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith,” their statement read.
On Saturday, the Alias star, 52, uploaded a heartfelt tribute in honor of the late Oscar winner, whom she previously worked with in the 1997 film Washington Square
“Maggie Smith and I worked together almost thirty years ago on my very first film, Washington Square,” the mother of three recalls. ‘Maggie was the best introduction to the film industry, can you imagine? She was generous and kind, and so funny!’ (featured in the 1997 film Washington Square)
“She passed away peacefully in hospital this morning, Friday, September 27,” they continued. ‘She was an intensely private person and was ultimately with friends and family. She is survived by two sons and five loving grandchildren, who are devastated by the loss of their special mother and grandmother.”
The statement ended with Stephens and Larkin thanking the “amazing staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital” for the care they gave her in her final days, as well as fans for their messages of support.
Stars across the pond in the United States have paid tribute to the iconic artist.
‘Saddened to hear that Dame Maggie Smith has passed away. I had the unforgettable experience of working with her; Sharing a two-shot was like being paired with a lion,” Rob Lowe wrote via X, in a reference to their film Suddenly Last Summer (1993).
He continued, “She could eat anyone alive, and often did. But funny and good company. And suffered no fools. We will never see another again. God speed, Mrs. Smith!’
Smith was a critically acclaimed actress, whose accolades included two Academy Awards wins for Best Actress for her performance in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and Best Supporting Actress for California Suite (1978); in the photo in 2012
Sandra Bullock, who not only had the pleasure of working with Smith on the comedy-drama film Divine Secrets Of The Ya-Ya Sisterhood (2002) but also had the honor of calling her a friend, was among the stars paid tribute brought to the star’s legacy.
“How lucky I am to have sat in quiet corners with Maggie and a glass of wine,” said Bullock, 60. PEOPLE just hours after Smith’s sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin confirmed her death.
“Her stories, her wicked sense of humor and her kind advice are all things that have made my life sweeter,” Bullock added.
Maren Morris revealed how she has always loved Smith in roles such as The Secret Garden, Hook, Sister Act, Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.
‘My youth. Rest assured, Maggie Smith,” she concluded her tribute.
Viola Davis praised Smith for “defying the expectations of age” in a moving tribute.
Many younger fans know Smith from her iconic role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in all six Harry Potter films (2002-2011) and from the role of Violet Crawley in the British TV series Downton Abbey (2019) and Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022); Smith seen in 1969
‘The end of an era of pure definition of what it means to be an actor. You created characters that hooked us, moved us, entertained us… made us look inward, the actress added. ‘You were the great, the personification of Dame Maggie Smith.’
Smith’s Sister Act co-star Whoopi Goldberg was excited about working with the late actress twice in her life.
“Maggie Smith was an amazing woman and a brilliant actress,” Goldberg took to Instagram, sharing a photo of the couple in their nun costumes.
‘I still can’t believe that I was lucky enough to work with this unique specimen. My sincere condolences go out to the family… RIP.”
Smith is survived by her two sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin and her five grandchildren.