Renowned British Actress Dame Maggie Smith Passes Away at 89

Key Takeaways:

– British actress Dame Maggie Smith, widely recognized for her roles in “Harry Potter” and “Downton Abbey,” has died at 89.
– Smith, reputed as one of the foremost actresses of her generation, passed away in hospital surrounded by her loved ones.
– With an acting career spanning seven decades, Smith earned several prestigious awards and nominations, including five Screen Actors Guild Awards, four BAFTAs, and two Oscars.
– She remained highly sought-after throughout her career, even in her later years.

Body:

Renowned British Actress Passes On

Beloved British actress Dame Maggie Smith, renowned for her extraordinary performance in roles such as Professor McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” series and Violet Crawley in “Downton Abbey,” has died at 89 years old. The news of her passing came early Friday and was confirmed by her family to CBS News. The actress passed away peacefully in the hospital, her two sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens disclosed.

Private in Life, Cherished in Death

Known for her intense privacy, Smith was in the company of friends and family during her final moments. In a statement conveyed through publicist Clair Dobbs, her sons expressed that the family, including Smith’s five grandchildren, were devastated by the loss of their exceedingly beloved mother and grandmother.

Lifetime of Accomplishments and Admiration

Born in Ilford, Essex on Dec. 28, 1934, Smith began her journey to stardom at the tender age of 16 when she started studying acting at Oxford Playhouse. Launching her glorious career as Viola in Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” at 17, Smith quickly amassed a stellar on-stage and on-screen reputation.

Prestigious Awards and Prolific Roles

Smith’s acclaimed acting skills earned her the first of 18 BAFTA nominations for the 1959 film “Nowhere to Go.” Later, the gifted actress bagged the Academy Award for best actress for her role in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” in 1969, a feat she would repeat in 1978 for “California Suite.”

Her achievements did not stop there. She continued to accumulate honors from the film industry, including four more Academy Award nominations, four additional BAFTAs, five Screen Actors Guild Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Tony Award for her exceptional work.

Transitioning to Granny Era Roles

Dame Maggie Smith remained a much sought-after actress well into her older years. Her famous quote, “Harry Potter is my pension,” came as she embraced the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the globally acclaimed “Harry Potter” movie series.

Her legacy was further solidified when she played Violet Crawley in the hit TV series “Downton Abbey.” Even at the zenith of this fame, the industrious actress never envisioned retirement.

Recognized by the Crown

In 1990, the British Empire honored Smith her with the title of Dame Commander, equivalent to a knighthood. This recognition distinguished her as one of the finest actresses of her generation.

Personal Life

Smith married her fellow actor, Robert Stephens in 1967. The couple had two sons, Christopher and Toby, before getting divorced in 1975. Later the same year, Smith wed the writer Beverley Cross, who passed away in 1998.

Conclusion

Dame Maggie Smith’s extensive career and inspirational life will always be remembered. Her loss signifies the end of an era in British theatre and film, leaving behind a void that will be hard to fill. She remains a treasured star in the hearts of a global audience, immortalized by her timeless roles.