Actress Maggie Smith dies at the age of 89

Smith won two Academy Awards throughout her career and appeared in more than 50 films. Some of her more recent roles were in "Downton Abbey" and "Harry Potter."

English actress Maggie Smith, considered one of the most prominent figures in British cinema, has passed away at the age of 89 in hospital in London, her sons announced.

"An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end," the statement said.

Over her extensive career, Smith appeared in more than 50 films and showcased her versatility in a wide range of roles.

Her greatest recognition as an actress came in 1969 when she won the Oscar for her performance in "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie." She would win the award again in 1978 for her supporting role in "California Suite."

She also won four Emmy Awards and a Tony Award, making her one of the few performers to achieve the "Triple Crown of Acting."

Her first success came with 'Othello' in 1965

Margaret Natalie Smith was born in Ilford, on the eastern edge of London, on December 28, 1934.

Her father, professor of pathology, was assigned to Oxford in 1939, where she began her theater studies at the Oxford Playhouse School.

She decided to adopt "Maggie" as her stage name because there was already a Margaret Smith active in the theater world.

In 1965, British actor and director Laurence Olivier recognized her talent and cast her as his co-star in a film adaptation of "Othello." With that performance, she earned her first Oscar nomination and established her status as a great actress.

In 1990, Smith was knighted by Queen Elizabeth and became a Dame.

In the 21st century, she gained new fans as the Dowager Countess of Grantham in "Downton Abbey" and for her role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the "Harry Potter" movies.

'A true legend'

Actor Rob Lowe, who co-starred with her in the 1993 TV play "Suddenly, Last Summer," called Smith a "legend" in a statement on X, formerly Twitter.

"She was a true legend of her generation and thankfully will live on in so many magnificent screen performances," he said.

"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!"

Hugh Bonneville, who played the son of Smith's character in "Downtown Abbey," said, "anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent."

Former broadcaster and politician Gyles Brandreth described Smith as "one of the greats," adding that she was "wise, witty, waspish [and] wonderful."

"One of a kind in every way [and] consequently irreplaceable," he said on X.

fmf, sdi/msh (dpa, Reuters)