Dame Maggie Smith, one of Britain’s most celebrated actresses, has passed away at the age of 89, her family confirmed.
Known for her sharp wit and extraordinary talent, Smith’s career spanned seven decades, gracing both stage and screen. She was one of the few performers to achieve the prestigious Oscar, Emmy, and Tony awards.
Among her numerous iconic roles, she was beloved as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter series and the Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey.
Smith’s illustrious career began in the 1950s, rising to prominence with her work at Britain’s National Theatre alongside Laurence Olivier.
Her first Academy Award win came for her role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1969, followed by a second Oscar for California Suite in 1978. Smith’s later roles, including her West End performance in The Importance of Being Earnest and Gosford Park, further solidified her legacy. Knighted in 1990, she passed away in London, surrounded by friends and family, according to her sons.
