After a decades long career, Harry Potter and Downton Abbey star, the iconic Maggie Smith has passed away at the age of 89.

Harry Potter star, Dame Maggie Smith’s life was dedicated to her craft. Right from a young age, she had an incredible talent for acting. Eventually, it wound up leading her to the Oxford Playhouse in the 1950s. The journey might have been difficult. But it all worked out for the actress as it earned her critical acclaim, and it even helped pave the way to her becoming one of the leading figures in British theatre.

Maggie Smith in the Harry Potter franchise | Credits: Warner Bros.

Smith might be best known for her roles in The Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey, and the wise and witty McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise. However, it has always been her on-screen demeanor that has enamored fans worldwide. Now thirteen years after the end of J.K Rowling’s epic franchise, the wizarding world has lost one of its own.

RIP the iconic Maggie Smith

Over the years, Dame Maggie Smith has blessed numerous TV shows and films with her stunning performances. However, the curtain has now closed on the much-beloved actress. According to reports from the BBC, it was revealed that the 89-year-old had passed away in a hospital. A statement from her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin was also put forward to share the news of her sudden demise.

Maggie Smith as McGonagall | Credits: Warner Bros.

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.

The statement went on to thank the hospital staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for taking the best care of Smith during her final days. The brothers ended their statement by stating, “We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”

With Smith’s sudden passing coming as a surprise to many, fans can seek solace in some of the star’s earlier works. After all, with her having earned 2 Oscars, 4 Emmys, and even a Tony award, she has left quite the legacy behind.

Maggie Smith’s legacy lives on

With a career spanning over six decades, Dame Maggie Smith has excelled in a wide range of roles. From classical Shakespearean characters to modern-day comedies, she tried her hand at everything and excelled. In fact, her early work in theater, particularly with the National Theatre earned her critical acclaim. In fact, it even helped her become one of Britain’s most respected actresses. With news of the actress’ passing coming to light, fans can luckily look back on her journey and see what made her such an icon.

Maggie Smith in Downtown Abbey | Credits: ITV

In 2001, Smith earned international fame through her role as Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series. She managed to captivate younger generations with her portrayal of the sharp-witted, loyal professor, who had an extremely big heart. In fact, the actress even left a mark on a young Emma Watson. However, her career was already studded with accolades long before that. She even won two Academy Awards for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and California Suite.

The awards and her roles only helped prove Smith’s comedic brilliance and dramatic range. In fact, it showed the world that she had a lot of range that was left to be discovered. After all, her later role as the sarcastic Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey further cemented that belief.

Stream all of Maggie Smith’s Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey series on Peacock