“Harry Potter star Dame Maggie Smith has passed away at the age of 89.”
“The legendary actress was most renowned for her iconic portrayal of Professor McGonagall in the beloved Harry Potter film series.”
“Her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, released the following statement: ‘It is with deep sadness that we must announce the passing of Dame Maggie Smith.'”
“She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday, 27th September. A deeply private person, she was surrounded by friends and family in her final moments. She leaves behind two sons and five adoring grandchildren, all heartbroken by the loss of their remarkable mother and grandmother.”
“We would like to take this moment to extend our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their compassionate care and unwavering kindness during her final days.”
“We are grateful for all the kind messages and support we have received and kindly ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.”
Smith was born in 1934 and raised in Oxford, England, where she started her acting career as a teenager.
She took part in many plays, including a musical comedy called Share My Lettuce, which premiered in 1957.
Her portrayal of a Scottish schoolteacher who admired Italian dictator Benito Mussolini earned her an Oscar for Best Actress in 1970.
Three years later, she received another nomination for the prestigious award, but this time she didn’t win. However, Smith didn’t have to wait long to claim her second Oscar, which she won in 1979.
This time, she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in California Suite.
Smith won a total of two Oscars and received four additional nominations, along with an impressive eight BAFTA awards.
In 1990, the late Queen Elizabeth II honored Smith with the title of Dame for her contributions to the arts. Then, 24 years later in 2014, she received a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour for her services to drama.
Larkin and Stephens are her only two children.
