'There was nobody like Dame Maggie Smith' - Tributes paid to Harry Potter star who died aged 89
The actress was known for her roles in the Harry Potter films, Downton Abbey, and countless other stage and screen performances
by Charlotte Smith · ChronicleLiveThousands of people have paid tributes to Dame Maggie Smith after the legendary actress died in hospital surrounded by her family, aged 89.
The Academy Award-winning star passed away in hospital on Friday morning, her sons said. In a statement, her children, Widow Clicquot actor Chris Larkin, and Die Another Day star Toby Stephens, said: “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.” Born on December 28, 1934, in Ilford, Essex, Maggie Smith became a globally celebrated actress, particularly known for her role as the passionate teacher Jean Brodie in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie.
She later captured the hearts of Harry Potter fans when she took on the role of the clever, compassionate, and strong Professor McGonagall in the film series. In 2010, she played a key role in the success of the ITV series Downton Abbey, portraying the sharp-tongued Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, a performance that earned her an Emmy award.
Her last performances featured The Miracle Club, a story about a group of women from Dublin embarking on a pilgrimage to the French town of Lourdes. She also featured in 2022’s Downton Abbey: A New Era, where Violet meets her end.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called her a “true national treasure”. He also said she “introduced us to new worlds with the countless stories she acted over her long career”.
Former Downton Abbey actor Dan Stevens also paid tribute to her as “one of The Greats” on Instagram.
Speaking to the BBC, Hugh Bonneville, who starred with Maggie Smith on Downton Abbey, said: "Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent. She was a true legend of her generation and thankfully will live on in so many magnificent screen performances. My condolences to her boys and wider family."
On X, formerly known as Twitter, Gyles Brandreth said: "The saddest news: the death of Dame Maggie Smith marks the end of a golden era & a quite extraordinary life.
Many Harry Potter and Downton Abbey also enthusiasts shared messages of love and admiration. Sean_Gabbett wrote: "Rest in peace to an absolute treasure, Dame Maggie Smith They’ve been reunited." Georgegriffiths penned: "Rip Maggie Smith one of the undeniable greats of her time."
Feedthedrummer reminded fans of Maggie Smith's early career, writing: "Everyone will be talking about Harry Potter and Downton, but early years Maggie Smith was so so good." Scottygb added: "There was nobody like Dame Maggie Smith."
AlsikkanTV stated: "My favorite Maggie Smith movie will always be Hook, which she played at 56 years old. But the makeup was so good it confused an entire generation of people when she just kept looking the same or better for the next 3 decades."
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