Dame Maggie Smith has died at the age of 89, her family has confirmed.
The actress was best known for her roles in the Harry Potter film franchise, Downton Abbey and a wide range of other on-screen projects.
Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, Smith’s sons, confirmed the sad news in a heartfelt statement.
The pair said: “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.
“She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September. An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end.
“She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting 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.”
Tributes from far and wide have flooded in following the news.
Gyles Brandreth was one famous face to pay tribute as he penned on X: “The saddest news: the death of Dame Maggie Smith marks the end of a golden era & a quite extraordinary life.
“She was a truly great actress, ‘one of the greats’ & simply the best company: wise, witty, waspish, wonderful. One of a kind in every way & consequently irreplaceable.”
GB News presenter Sophie Reaper echoed: “RIP Dame Maggie Smith. 1934-2024. Devastated doesn’t even begin to describe it. Such a loss.”
Fans followed suit, with one writing on the social media site: “Sad to see the iconic true mega star Dame Maggie Smith has died. If you’ve never watched Lady In The Van – go watch and be prepared for laughs and tears. RIP you talented lady.”
And a second fan also weighed in: “Maggie smith, 89 years old, will never be forgotten; genuinely one of the women i aspired to be when i was growing up and still is – heartbroken for this worlds loss of her.” (sic)
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Smith’s career spanned over seven decades and saw her bag a wide range of coveted awards.
The actress won two Academy Awards for her roles in California Suite and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1979 and 1970, respectively.
She was also Oscar-nominated for her roles in 1973’s Travels with My Aunt, 1987’s A Room with a View, and 2002’s Gosford Park.
In recent years, Smith appeared in 2023’s The Miracle Club alongside Laura Linney and Kathy Bates, while she also reprised her role of Violet Grantham in the Downton Abbey films.
Other notable roles include The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Keeping Mum, Sister Act, Hook, Death on the Nile and many other big-screen projects.
