Harry Potter legend Dame Maggie Smith's cause of death as she dies aged 89

Dame Maggie Smith's two sons announced in a statement that their mum had died at the age of 89 on Friday morning

Dame Maggie Smith's cause of death has not yet been revealed after she passed away at the age of 89.

The acting legend's sons announced that she had died while in hospital but have not given a cause of death. The Harry Potter star passed away on Friday morning, as her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin said they were "devastated" by the news.

They thanked the NHS staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care over the last few days. It is unknown why Dame Maggie was taken to hospital. Announcing her death, the statement read: "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 27th 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." Dame Maggie has become an icon for her impressive acting roles over the years.

She is best known for starring in Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter film series. The actress won Oscars for won for Best Actress for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1969 and Best Supporting Actress for California Suite in 1978.

Dame Maggie was also Oscar-nominated for Othello in 1965, Travels with My Aunt in 1972, A Room with a View in 1985, and Gosford Park. Fellow celebrities and fans have been expressing their sadness at Smith's passing.

Gyles Brandreth tweeted: "The saddest news: the death of Dame Maggie Smith marks the end of a golden era & a quite extraordinary life. 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." Actor Omid Djalili wrote: "We’ve lost one the best today. RIP Maggie Smith."

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