Dame Maggie Smith died at the age of 89. Fans were surprised by her final public appearance.
Dame Maggie Smith, who starred in Downtown Abbey and Harry Potter, died at the age of 89, her family confirmed.
Smith, a two-time Oscar winner and stage and screen legend, was recognized as one of her generation’s best actors. She began her acting career on stage at the Oxford Playhouse and went on to build a name for herself, remaining in the spotlight for an impressive amount of years.
Her two sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, announced her tragic death.
“She passed away calmly this morning, Friday, September 27, in the hospital. “A deeply private person, she died surrounded by loved ones,” their joint statement read.
“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,” she said.
“We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time,” Smith’s sons said.
Smith has appeared in numerous feature films, including Sister Act, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and, most recently, Thaddeus O’Sullivan’s The Miracle Club.
Smith announced in 2009 that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She talked about going through treatments while still filming scenes as Professor Minerva McGonagall in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
She said to Tim Teeman, “I used to go to treatment on my own, and nearly everybody else was with somebody.” “That wouldn’t have pleased me. Why would you want people to be forced to sit in those positions?
She had disclosed her own mortality as well. “At my age, I was glad because, by this point, it seems like it’s all over.
I detested witnessing young youngsters having treatment at the London-based Royal Marsden Hospital for this reason. That didn’t seem fair, and I couldn’t stand it. You feel so horrible most of the time that you wouldn’t mind dying.
Following her passing, tributes came pouring in. Prime Minister Keir Starmer was among the first to share his condolences, saying Smith “was beloved by so many for her great talent, becoming a true national treasure whose work will be cherished for generations to come.”
Hugh Bonneville, fellow Downtown Abbey co-star, said: “Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent.
“She was a true legend of her generation and thankfully will live on in so many magnificent screen performances. My condolences to her boys and wider family.”
