By Dame Maggie Smith, the venerable British actress whose career spanned seven decades and encompassed triumphs on stage, screen, and television, died Friday in a London hospital at the age of 89. Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, announced her passing, describing her as an “extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
Smith’s illustrious career was marked by numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards. She won Best Actress for “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” in 1969 and Best Supporting Actress for “California Suite” in 1978. Her talent garnered her additional Oscar nominations for performances in “Othello,” “Travels with My Aunt,” “A Room with a View,” and “Gosford Park.”
In recent years, Smith captivated new generations of fans with her portrayal of the sharp-tongued Dowager Countess of Grantham in “Downton Abbey” and as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film series. Her dry wit and impeccable timing made her a standout in both roles, with Smith quipping that “Harry Potter is my pension.”
Born Margaret Natalie Smith on December 28, 1934, in Ilford, east London, she began her acting career at the Oxford Playhouse School. Her talent quickly caught the eye of Sir Laurence Olivier, who invited her to join his original National Theatre company.
Throughout her career, Smith was renowned for her versatility and commanding stage presence. She won a Tony Award in 1990 for “Lettice and Lovage” and received critical acclaim for her performances in numerous productions, including Noel Coward’s “Hay Fever.”
Smith’s reputation for being demanding on set was matched by her dedication to her craft. Director Richard Eyre described her as “intellectually the smartest actress I’ve ever worked with,” while playwright Alan Bennett praised her ability to bring freshness to every performance.
Despite her public persona, Smith was known to be intensely private. She was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 1990, recognizing her significant contributions to the arts.
Smith was married twice, first to actor Robert Stephens, with whom she had two sons, and later to writer Beverley Cross, who passed away in 1998.
As news of her death spread, tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry, celebrating Smith’s unparalleled talent, wit, and the indelible mark she left on British culture. Her passing marks the end of an era in British acting, but her performances will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come.
