In Short
One of Hollywood’s most beloved legends took her last breath. Actress Maggie Smith who is known for her roles as Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey and as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise, said goodbye to the world on September 27. The two-time Oscar winner’s family officially announced this devastating news of her death via a statement yesterday. The statement noted the actress was with her close family and friends at the time of her passing.
Right after the news came out movie lovers and the actress’s co-actres started overpowering the messages of condolences. Here are the complete details of the statement and heartfelt message.
The statement of Maggie Smith’s family reported she peacefully died in the hospital
The statement of the late actress’s family which includes her sons from ex-husband Robert Stephens, Chris Larkin, 57, and Toby Stephens, 55, noted, “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.”
The celebrity responses to Maggie’s death
After the heartbreaking news came out numerous celebrities and co-actors of the late star has paid homage to her long untouchable legacy.
Actress Whoopi Goldberg who worked with her in the movie Sister Act recalled the time working with her.
“Maggie Smith was a great woman and a brilliant actress,” Whoopi posted on Instagram post alongside a snap of them from the 1992 film. “I still can’t believe I was lucky enough to work with the ‘one-of-a-kind.’ My heartfelt condolences go out to the family. RIP.”
Moreover, Maggie’s Suddenly, Last Summer co-star Rob Lowe wrote on X “Saddened to hear Dame Maggie Smith has passed. I had the unforgettable experience of working with her; sharing a two-shot was like being paired with a lion. 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!”
Meanwhile, Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe also acknowledged her inspiring journey noting, “The word legend is overused but if it applies to anyone in our industry then it applies to her.”
Additionally, other renowned names of this industry like Emma Watson, James Phelps, Kristin Scott Thomas, Michelle Dockery, Sandra Bullock, as well as United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer mourned her death.
The life and journey of Maggie Smith
In an outstanding career spanning over 70 years she has got some incredible recognition such as a Best Actress Oscar for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1970 and Best Supporting Actress for her movie California Suite in 1978. On top of that, she has also been a part of some of the most iconic films of the era, like Hook, and Gosford Park and Sister Act.
She also earned Oscar-nominated for the classics like Othello (1965), Travels with My Aunt (1972), A Room with a View (1985) and Gosford Park (2001).
However, this generation is known for the iconic portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film series. from 2001 to 2011.
Needless to say, cinephiles will always look forward to the timeless legacy she has left behind.
Also Read: Nicole Kidman Mourns The Death of Mom Janelle After Leaving Venice Film Festival Early
