Legendary actress Maggie Smith, best known for her iconic roles in the Harry Potter film series and Downton Abbey, has passed away at the age of 89. According to Deadline, Smith’s sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, confirmed her passing in a statement, saying she died peacefully at a hospital in London on Friday, September 27.
“She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday, surrounded by friends and family,” they said. “She leaves behind two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
The family expressed their gratitude for the care Smith received during her final days, saying, “We would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and kindness. We appreciate all the kind messages and support and ask that our privacy be respected at this difficult time.” The cause of death was not disclosed.
Maggie Smith was beloved for her portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films, where she played the strict yet compassionate head of Gryffindor House. She also gained widespread acclaim for her role as Violet Crawley, the witty Dowager Countess of Grantham, in