Actress Dame Maggie Smith, known for her role in Harry Potter, Yorkshire classic Secret Garden and Downton Abbey as well as many more has died aged 89.
A statement from her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larking said: “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. We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”
One of the world’s best and most famous actresses, Dame Maggie Smith had a career that spanned around 70 years. Born Margaret Natalie Smith in Essex, Smith began her career as Viola in Twelfth Night at the Oxford Playhouse.
She earned numerous honours, including two Academy Awards, five BAFTA Awards, four Emmy Awards, three Golden Globes, and a Tony Award, along with six Laurence Olivier Award nominations. Smith is also one of the rare performers to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting.
Most will know her for her iconic role in the film franchise of Harry Potter playing Professor Minerva McGonagall, which gained her international recognition.
Smith also has a huge link to Yorkshire featuring in the children’s classic The Secret Garden – and acting in a range of Yorkshire actor, author, playwright and screenwriter Alan Bennett projects, including Talking Heads and Lady in the Van.
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