The showbiz world is in mourning as it was announced that Dame Maggie Smith passed away at the grand age of 89.
Renowned for her spell-binding performances in cinematic hits like ‘Hook’, ‘Sister Act’, not to forget her iconic roles in ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Downton Abbey’, the beloved actress was celebrated by legions of fans.
A heart-wrenching statement from her “devastated” sons hailed their “extraordinary mother”, revealing that she died peacefully surrounded by loved ones in the hospital.
Professionally praising the NHS staff of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, her sons, through their publicist, conveyed: “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.”
Recognising her as an intensely private person, they shared how she spent her final moments: “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.”
And many of Maggie’s friends from the entertainment industry paid tribute to the icon.
TV presenter and former politician Gyles Brandreth, who was close friends with Dame Maggie, mourned her passing as the loss of an era. On social media, he shared his thoughts: “The saddest news: the death of Dame Maggie Smith marks the end of a golden era and a quite extraordinary life.
“She was a truly great actress, ‘one of the greats’ and simply the best company: wise, witty, waspish, wonderful. One of a kind in every way and consequently irreplaceable”, reports the Mirror.
James Dreyfus, known for his work on ‘Notting Hill’, expressed his condolences, saying, “What can you say? Simply the best. We were bloody lucky to have her. RIP Dame Maggie Smith.”
Comedian Omid Djalili also paid tribute: “We’ve lost one the best today. RIP Maggie Smith.”
Dame Maggie’s illustrious career included Academy Award wins for ‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie’ in 1969 and ‘California Suite’ in 1978, along with nominations for ‘Othello’ in 1965, ‘Travels with My Aunt’ in 1972, ‘Room With A View’ in 1985, and ‘Gosford Park’ in 2001.
She gained immense popularity for portraying Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film franchise and Violet Crawley in ITV’s period drama ‘Downton Abbey’, roles which she reprised in subsequent film spin-offs released in 2019 and 2022.
Despite her status as an award-winning actress, Dame Maggie was renowned for maintaining a private life away from the limelight and often avoided the fanfare of awards ceremonies. Even in her eighties, she never publicly discussed any plans to retire.
Her most recent film, The Miracle Club, which also starred Kathy Bates and Laura Linney, was released last year.
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