It is with deep sadness that Dame Maggie Smith, the celebrated actress known for her iconic roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, has passed away at the age of 89.
Tributes have poured in from across the globe, highlighting her remarkable contributions to the arts, with King Charles and Prime Minister leading the praise. The King reflected on her legacy, calling her “a national treasure,” while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described her as “beloved by so many for her immense talent.”
Daniel Radcliffe, who worked alongside Dame Maggie in the Harry Potter series, expressed his admiration for her intellect and humor, recalling her “fierce intellect” and “gloriously sharp tongue.” He fondly remembered how she could both intimidate and charm in equal measure, expressing gratitude for having shared the screen with such a legend.
Emma Watson, too, took to Instagram to remember her as “real, honest, funny, and self-honoring,” revealing that it was only in adulthood that she fully appreciated Dame Maggie’s greatness.
Miriam Margolyes, a fellow Harry Potter cast member, described Dame Maggie as “the best of the best,” praising her blend of ferocity, mischief, and tenderness. Margolyes recalled her awe at Dame Maggie’s courage and kindness, traits her colleagues admired as well. “I’ve been in awe of her, as all her colleagues are,” Margolyes shared in an interview.
Dame Maggie’s illustrious career spanned eight decades, with her performances leaving indelible marks on stage and screen. She was best known for her portrayal of the stern Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise, a character as famous for her pointed hat as her pointed wit. In Downton Abbey, she shone as the sharp-tongued Dowager Countess of Grantham, delivering one-liners that became legendary.
The actress earned two Academy Awards—one for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1970 and another for California Suite in 1979. In addition to these wins, she received four additional Oscar nominations, seven BAFTA awards, and widespread recognition for her contributions to both British and international cinema.
In a heartfelt statement, King Charles and Queen Camilla paid tribute to Dame Maggie, remembering her as a performer whose warmth and wit were as striking offstage as on. Prime Minister Starmer echoed the sentiment, emphasizing how her work introduced audiences to new worlds and stories.
Hugh Bonneville, who played her on-screen son in Downton Abbey, reflected on her incredible talent, saying, “Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit, and formidable talent.”
Michelle Dockery, who portrayed her on-screen granddaughter Lady Mary Crawley, noted that there was “no-one quite like Maggie,” expressing her gratitude for knowing such a remarkable person. Lesley Nicol, who worked with her on Downton Abbey, shared that the close-knit cast was devastated by the news of her passing.
Dame Harriet Walter, another co-star, praised Dame Maggie’s range, calling her both a true comedian and a powerful dramatic actress. “She was a true comedian, but also I’ve seen her playing some incredibly heartfelt, deep, sad roles,” Walter shared, underscoring Dame Maggie’s immense versatility.
Her two sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, confirmed the news of her peaceful passing in the early hours of Friday morning, surrounded by loved ones. They expressed their gratitude for the care and kindness shown by the staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital during her final days, requesting privacy as the family grieves.
Throughout her career, Dame Maggie left a lasting impression across a variety of roles. From her 1965 Oscar-nominated performance as Desdemona in Othello alongside Laurence Olivier to her more recent portrayal of the indomitable woman living in a van in The Lady in the Van, her work transcended generations. Fellow actors, like Whoopi Goldberg, remembered her as a brilliant talent and a great woman, with Rob Lowe recalling her as an unforgettable presence who could “eat anyone alive” on set.
National Theatre and BAFTA also paid homage to her, describing her as a legend of stage and screen who will forever be remembered for her incredible body of work. Her career, which seamlessly transitioned between theatre, film, and television, has left a monumental legacy.
As the world mourns the loss of a formidable talent, Dame Maggie Smith’s legacy will continue to live on through her extraordinary performances, beloved by audiences young and old alike. Her wit, intelligence, and warmth, both on and off-screen, will remain unforgettable to all who had the privilege of witnessing her work.
Remembering Maggie Smith’s Incredible Life and Career in Photos
