LONDON. Maggie Smith, the iconic British actress known for her unforgettable roles in Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter series, has passed away at the age of 89. Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, confirmed her death in a statement, revealing that she passed away early Friday morning at a hospital in London.
In their heartfelt message, the family shared: “She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
Smith’s remarkable career spanned six decades, earning her a reputation as one of Britain’s most accomplished actresses. Frequently mentioned alongside fellow greats such as Judi Dench and Vanessa Redgrave, Smith garnered two Academy Awards, countless nominations, and numerous prestigious accolades throughout her life. Despite this, she remained humble and wry, often remarking on her later years in film: “When you get into the granny era, you’re lucky to get anything.”
Her breakout role as the charismatic teacher in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie earned her an Oscar in 1969, and she later added a second Academy Award for her performance in California Suite in 1978. Over the years, Smith’s wit and sharp delivery became her signature, especially in roles like the no-nonsense Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films and the caustic Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey.
Smith, with characteristic humor, once described her work on the Harry Potter franchise as: “Harry Potter is my pension.”
Richard Eyre, who worked closely with Smith, praised her intelligence and talent, saying, “You have to get up very, very early in the morning to outwit Maggie Smith.”
Her role in Downton Abbey became a global sensation, and she won three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for her portrayal of the sharp-tongued Violet Crawley. As viewers will fondly recall, one of her most famous quips from the show—“What is a weekend?”—solidified her as a master of the one-liner.
Smith continued working well into her 80s, with notable roles in Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022) and The Miracle Club (2023). Despite her success, she was known to be a private individual, seldom speaking about her craft. Simon Callow, her co-star in A Room with a View, once remarked, “She never wanted to talk about acting. Acting was something she was terrified to talk about because if she did, it would disappear.”
Tributes have poured in from fellow actors and public figures. Hugh Bonneville, who played her son in 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.”
Rob Lowe, who starred with Smith in Suddenly, Last Summer, offered a touching tribute: “She could eat anyone alive, and often did. But funny, and great company. We will never see another. Godspeed, Ms. Smith!”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed his condolences, describing Smith as “a true national treasure whose work will be cherished for generations to come.”
Maggie Smith’s legacy will undoubtedly endure through her many beloved roles. Her career, which began with a passion for theater at the Oxford Playhouse, took her from stage to screen, earning her accolades and the deep admiration of her peers and audiences alike.
Smith is survived by her two sons, both of whom followed in their mother’s footsteps into acting, and her five grandchildren.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
