Tributes Pour In For 'Harry Potter' And 'Downton Abbey' Actor Dame Maggie Smith

Dame Maggie Smith, the British TV and film actor, has passed away aged 89.

The star, best known for her roles in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie, the Harry Potter series and Downton Abbey, is said to have ‘passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday September 27’, according to a statement released by her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens.

‘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.

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‘We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.’

Following news of Smiths’ passing, a flurry of tributes from Hollywood are coming in on social media and via news outlets, with many celebrities wanting to pay their respects.

Comedian Omid Djalili tweeted on X (formerly known as Twitter): ‘We lost one [of] the best today.’

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tweeted: ‘Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dame Maggie Smith - an icon of the stage and screen.

'She touched many lives across many generations with her incredible performances. Rest in peace.'

Star Trek actor George Takei noted: ‘A grand star of screen and stage has departed. Maggie Smith, known most recently for her unforgettable roles as the Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey and as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films, passed away at age 89. Fans both old and young shall miss her dearly.’

Actor Hugh Bonneville, who starred alongside Smith in Downton Abbey, paid tribute to her as a ‘true legend of her generation’.

‘Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent,’ he told the BBC.

Smith began acting while a student before making her professional Broadway debut in 1956. She went on to receive two Oscars during her career (Best Actress in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie and Best Supporting Actress in California Suite).

Referring to her roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, Smith once told ES Magazine: ‘I am deeply grateful for the work in (Harry) Potter and indeed Downton (Abbey) but it wasn't what you'd call satisfying.

‘I didn't really feel I was acting in those things.’

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