Maggie Smith, 'Harry Potter' & 'Downtown Abbey' Actress, Dies At...

Source: Dave Hogan / Getty

Dame Maggie Smith, the legendary actress whose career spanned over six decades, has passed away at the age of 89.

She was known for her unforgettable performances in both film and television.

Maggie Smith was born in Ilford, Essex, and displayed an early passion for acting. She honed her craft at the Oxford Playhouse School, eventually making her stage debut in 1952.

Her theatrical prowess soon caught the eye of audiences and critics alike, leading to a successful career in both the United Kingdom and on Broadway.

Her stage performances below showcased her versatility and depth as an actress:

• Mary, Mary
• Hedda Gabler
• Lettice and Lovage

Source: Evening Standard / Getty – English actress Maggie Smith, currently playing the title role in Ingmar Bergman’s production of the Henrik Ibsen play Hedda Gabler, speaks with Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman (1915-1982) in a dressing room backstage at the Cambridge Theatre in London’s West End on 23rd October 1970.

Smith’s film career began in the late 1950s and quickly blossomed with standout roles in movies like “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie,” for which she won her first Oscar, and “California Suite,” earning her a second Academy Award.

Her ability to effortlessly transition between comedy and drama made her one of the most respected figures in the film industry.

In her later years, Smith gained a new legion of fans with her portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” film series and her role as the Dowager Countess in the globally acclaimed series “Downton Abbey.” Her performance in “Downton Abbey” earned her three Emmy Awards, further cementing her status as a television icon.

Source: Mike Marsland / Getty – Allen Leech, Laura Carmichael, Maggie Smith and Douglas Reith on the “Downton Abbey” set at Highclere Castle on February 16, 2015 in Newbury, England.

Beyond her screen accomplishments, Smith was a revered stage actress. She was a member of the National Theatre Company under Laurence Olivier and earned several accolades for her work, including a Tony Award for “Lettice and Lovage.”

Known for her intense privacy, Smith’s personal life remained largely out of the public eye. She was married twice, first to actor Robert Stephens and later to playwright Beverly Cross, with whom she shared two sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, both actors in their own right. She is also survived by her five grandchildren.

As a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire, Maggie Smith was one of the few actresses to receive such an honor.

Her influence on the acting community is immeasurable, with a career that not only entertained but also inspired countless aspiring actors.

Her passing marks the end of an era, but Maggie Smith leaves behind a rich legacy of performances that will continue to captivate and inspire future generations.

Her extraordinary talent and contributions to the arts will be remembered and cherished by audiences and peers alike.