Dame Maggie Smith - star of Downton Abbey and Harry Potter - dies in hospital

Acting legend Dame Maggie Smith has died aged 89. The Harry Potter and Downton Abbey star died peacefully in hospital, her family said this afternoon (September 27).

Dame Maggie starred on stage and screen in a glittering career that spanned more than 70 years. She won 58 awards during her career, including two Academy Awards and five BAFTAs.

In a statement issued by her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, via their publicist, the pair said: “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday, September 27.

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“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.”