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Dame Maggie Smith’s Downton Abbey co-star Hugh Bonneville and Sister Act co-star Whoopi Goldberg have led tributes to the iconic actor after she died at the age of 89.
Bonneville, who starred alongside Dame Maggie in the ITV drama, remembered her as a “true legend of her generation” who had “sharp wit and formidable talent”.
Meanwhile, Goldberg called her a “one-of-a-kind” actor.
Dame Maggie played a number of iconic roles over the years, including Professor McGonagall in JK Rowling’s Harry Potter franchise and the fanatical teacher Jean Brodie in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie.
Her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens announced on Friday the Oscar-winning actress had died in Chelsea and Westminster hospital.
A statement from her children said: “She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27 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.”
Key points
- Downton Abbey star was a ‘true legend’, says Hugh Bonneville
- Dame Maggie Smith dies aged 89
- The Oscar-winning actress’s most iconic roles
- Dame Maggie: An icon for over 60 years
Maggie Smith’s death comes exactly one year after Harry Potter co-star’s passing
Maggie Smith’s heartbreaking death coincidentally comes exactly one year after the passing of her Harry Potter co-star Michael Gambon.
The Irish actor, who starred as Professor Dumbledore, died on September 27, 2023, at the age of 82.
Other Harry Potter stars who have died include Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid) and Leslie Phillips (voice of the sorting hat), both of whom died in 2022.
Find the list of other Harry Potter stars who’ve died over the years:
Helen McCrory (Narcissa Malfoy) in 2021
Verne Troyer (goblin Griphook) in 2018
John Hurt (Garrick Ollivander) in 2017
Alan Rickman (Professor Snape) in 2016
Dave Legeno (Fenrir Greyback) in 2014
Richard Griffiths (Vernon Dursley) in 2013
Timothy Bateson (voice of house elf Kreacher) in 2009
Robert Knox (Marcus Belby) in 2008
Richard Harris (the original Dumbledore) in 2002
Inga Parkel27 September 2024 19:20 1727460648What roles did Maggie Smith win Oscars for?
Over the course of her iconic, years-long film career, Maggie Smith earned an astounding six Oscar nominations, of which she won two.
Smith won her first Academy Award in 1969 for her lead role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. She won her second nearly 10 years later in 1978 for her supporting role in California Suite.
She earned three other Best Supporting Actress nominations for her roles in Othello (1965), A Room with a View (1985) and Gosford Park (2001), as well as a second Best Lead Actress nod in 1972 for her performance in Travels with My Aunt.
Maggie Smith’s best Downton Abbey quotes
Maggie Smith once said of her role in Downton Abbey: “I am deeply grateful for the work… but it wasn’t what you’d call satisfying. I didn’t really feel I was acting.”
Her character Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, became a fan-favourite thanks to her zingy lines in the period drama – and perhaps it was Smith’s affinity with the wise woman, and her own acerbic wit, that enabled her to deliver them so well.
In celebration of Downton Abbey’s 10th anniversary in 2020, The Independent’s Ellie Harrison compiled Smith’s best quotes from the show…
Read more:
Downton Abbey turns 10: Maggie Smith’s best quotes
The Dowager Countess of Grantham’s zingiest quotes, on everything from romance to class
Inga Parkel27 September 2024 19:00 1727459448Co-star Rob Lowe pays tribute to Dame Maggie as ‘lion’
American actor Rob Lowe, who appeared with Dame Maggie Smith in 1993 BBC drama Suddenly, Last Summer, described his late co-star as a “lion”.
In a post on X, he wrote: “Saddened to hear Dame Maggie Smith has passed. I had the unforgettable experience of working with her; sharing a two-shot was like being paired with a lion.
“She could eat anyone alive, and often did. But funny, and great company. And suffered no fools. We will never see another. God speed, Ms Smith!”
Inga Parkel27 September 2024 18:50 1727458848Harry Potter star Bonnie Wright shares favorite Maggie Smith scene
Harry Potter star Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in the film franchise, has paid tribute to the“revered head of Gryffindor house” Maggie Smith, in the wake of her death.
“Our dearly loved and revered head of Gryffindor house you will be so missed by the Harry Potter community. My favourite scene with Maggie was when we were all learning to dance for the Yule Ball. She embodied that perfect balance of sass and loving care that McGonagall has. She kept Gryffindors on their toes. My deepest condolences to Maggie’s family at this time,” Wright, 33, wrote on Instagram.
Inga Parkel27 September 2024 18:40 1727458248Maggie Smith ‘turns’ on Judi Dench in resurfaced clip
A memorable moment from the 2018 documentary Tea With the Dames is circulating on X following the death of Maggie Smith.
In the scene, Smith is seen speaking to fellow dame and actor Judi Dench.
“We’re gonna work forever if we’re asked,” Dench says, to which Smith responds: “But you’re always asked first, if I may say so.”
“Don’t turn on me!” Dench replies, with Smith joking: “I’m turning on you. It’s all coming out now.”
Inga Parkel27 September 2024 18:30 1727457648King Charles and Queen Camilla are ‘deeply saddened’ by the death of ‘national treasure’ Maggie Smith
King Charles has shared a message of condolence following the passing of Maggie Smith.
“My wife and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dame Maggie Smith. As the curtain comes down on a national treasure, we join all those around the world in remembering with the fondest admiration and affection her many great performances and her warmth and wit that shone through both on and off the stage,” he said in a statement.
Inga Parkel27 September 2024 18:20 1727457048Downton Abbey thanks ‘British icon' Maggie Smith for ‘everything’
The official Downton Abbey X account has shared a tribute to star Maggie Smith.
Inga Parkel27 September 2024 18:10 1727456448Maggie Smith fans remember actor’s ‘early years’ before Harry Potter and Downton Abbey
One Maggie Smith fan has shared an old clip from the actor’s 1975 appearance on The Carol Burnett Show.
“Everyone will be talking about Harry Potter and Downton, but early years Maggie Smith was so so good,” they praised.
Inga Parkel27 September 2024 18:00 1727455848Whoopi Goldberg shares Sister Act throwback in tribute to co-star Maggie Smith: ‘One of a kind’
Whoopi Goldberg has paid tribute to her Sister Act co-star Dame Maggie Smith following her death at the age of 89.
Smith played Reverend Mother Superior in the hit 1992 comedy that starred Goldberg as a lounge singer who goes into witness protection in a convent.
On Instagram, Goldberg wrote: “Maggie Smith was a great woman and a brilliant actress. I still can’t believe I was lucky enough to work with the ‘one-of-a-kind’.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the family... RIP.”
Read more:
Whoopi Goldberg shares Sister Act throwback in tribute to co-star Maggie Smith: ‘One of a kind’
Goldberg remembered the late actor as ‘a great woman and a brilliant actress’
Inga Parkel27 September 2024 17:50 Newer1 / 4OlderDisclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
