Some deeply sad showbiz news this weekend as it has been announced that British acting royalty Dame Maggie Smith has died aged 89.
The legendary English actor was confirmed as having passed away on Friday, 27 September, following an official statement from her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin.
They wrote: “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.
“She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September. An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.
“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.
Dame Maggie Smith has sadly passed away at the age of 89. pic.twitter.com/qTs7YxXmBY
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 27, 2024
They go on to thank the hordes of fans paying their respects online, adding: “[we] ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”
With a career spanning decades and known to generations of movie lovers for appearances as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films, Lady in the Van, Downton Abbey and Oh! What A Lovely Warm just to name a few of her countless roles, she is the definition of a household name.
She appeared in more than 85 films and TV programmes but was arguably most famously known to kids all around the world as the iconic witch who first welcomed them into the movie version of the much-loved wizarding world.
By all accounts and judging from the tributes online too, a lovely human being.
rip maggie smith one of the undeniable greats of her time pic.twitter.com/6GGgwXCITJ
— george griffiths (@georgegriffiths) September 27, 2024
With two Academy Awards, five BAFTA Awards, four Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Tony Award as well as nominations for six Laurence Olivier Awards, she has quite literally done it all.
Smith is one of the few performers to earn the so-called ‘Triple Crown of Acting’, which should tell you everything you need to know about her status within the industry.
Rest in peace to a true legend and thank you for the memories.
Featured Images — Press Images
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