Maggie Smith dies, aged 89

The actor was best known for her roles in 'Downton Abbey' and 'Harry Potter'

Iconic actor Maggie Smith has died, aged 89.

The news was confirmed by her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens. In a statement they said that Smith “passed away peacefully” in the early hours of this morning (September 27).

“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,” the wrote. “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,” they added.

Dame Maggie Smith made her stage debut in 1956 and went on to win Oscars for her roles in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and California Suite (1978). She also starred in the likes of Hook, Death On The Nile and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

Smith starred as the formidable Professor McGonagall in all eight Harry Potter movies and won three Emmys for her portrayal of Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey. She was made a Dame in 1990 for her services to the performing arts and is one of only a handful of people to have won a Triple Crown Of Acting – An Emmy, Tony and Oscar.

Following the news, friends and fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to the legendary actor. 

Presenter Gyles Brandreth said Smith’s death “marks the end of a golden era”.

“She was a truly great actress, one of the greats’ & simply the best company: wise, witty, waspish, wonderful. One of a kind in every way & consequently irreplaceable,” he added.

Elsewhere, comedian Omid Djalili said “We’ve lost one the best today” while George Takei wrote: “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.”

Check out more tributes below: