Dame Maggie Smith Has Died at Age 89

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Dame Maggie Smith Has Died at Age 89

Key Takeaways

  • After seven decades in show business, Dame Maggie Smith has passed away at age 89.
  • Smith is known by many for her roles as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films and Countess Violet Grantham in Downton Abbey.
  • UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke out about Smith’s passing, stating that she will be cherished for generations.

As a gamer with a deep appreciation for cinema and a soft spot for British wit, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of loss at the passing of Dame Maggie Smith. Her seven-decade journey through the silver screen has left an indelible mark on my heart, and her characters have graced the lives of millions with their charm and complexity.

Legendary actress Dame Maggie Smith has sadly passed away at the age of 89. Throughout her remarkable career spanning over seven decades, she played a myriad of roles, such as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films and Countess Violet Grantham on Downton Abbey.

Maggie Smith, born in Ilford, England in 1934, is widely recognized as one of the most distinguished British actresses. Spanning over six decades, her acting career has been marked by numerous films and television productions since she made her debut in 1952. Among her notable roles are those in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie,” “California Suite,” “A Room With a View,” “Gosford Park,” and the “Harry Potter” series. Her last role was as Lily Fox in the 2023 film, “The Miracle Club.

On the 27th of September, it was reported by the BBC that Smith passed away at the age of 89 in a London hospital. The report stated that her passing was peaceful. She leaves behind two sons and five grandchildren. Following this news, several celebrities, including Hugh Bonneville from Downton Abbey, paid tribute to her work, describing her as an “iconic figure” of her generation due to her numerous outstanding performances. The UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, also commended Smith’s talent, expressing that she would be fondly remembered and revered for generations.

Maggie Smith Starred in Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, and Countless Other Projects

Throughout her illustrious and victorious acting journey, Maggie Smith garnered two Oscars; one for Best Actress in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and another for Best Supporting Actress in California Suite (1978). While some may recognize her from her role as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter series, appearing in every film except for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1.

2018 saw Smith returning as the voice actor for Minerva McGonagall in “Harry Potter: Wizarding Adventures at Hogwarts”, which was her sole performance in a video game. This mobile role-playing game, developed by Jam City and Portkey Games, is set at Hogwarts long before Harry Potter became a student.

One of Smith’s recent prominent roles was portraying Countess Violet Grantham in Downton Abbey. From 2010 to 2015, she brought this character to life in the widely acclaimed TV series, and reprised her role in two standalone films released in 2019 and 2022. Many mourn Smith’s passing, with fans from the Harry Potter universe swiftly expressing their condolences on social media.

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2024-09-27 21:43