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| Credit:PA Media |
Dame Maggie Smith, renowned for her iconic roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, has passed away at the age of 89. A towering figure in British acting, her death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, co-stars, and prominent public figures, including King Charles and the Prime Minister.
A National Treasure Honored
King Charles described Dame Maggie as “a national treasure,” echoing sentiments from across the globe. The Prime Minister added, "Her work will be cherished for generations." Known for her acerbic wit, fierce intellect, and unmatched talent, Dame Maggie leaves behind a remarkable legacy spanning eight decades.
Fond Memories from Co-Stars
Fellow actors who shared the screen with Dame Maggie have expressed deep admiration. Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter alongside her portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall, praised her "gloriously sharp tongue" and "fierce intellect." He added, “I was incredibly lucky to work with her. She was a true legend.”
Emma Watson reflected on her experiences sharing the screen with Smith, admitting she didn’t fully grasp the greatness of working alongside her until later in life. "She was real, honest, funny, and self-honoring," Watson wrote, remembering the "true definition of greatness" she had witnessed.
Iconic Roles: From Harry Potter to Downton Abbey
Dame Maggie Smith was a master of sharp-tongued roles. As Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter series, she became a beloved figure, famous for her stern, yet compassionate approach to the young wizards of Hogwarts.
Her role as Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey, was another defining moment in her career. Known for her sharp one-liners and unmatched wit, she delivered some of the show’s most memorable moments. Hugh Bonneville, who played the Earl of Grantham, called her "a true legend of her generation," adding, "Anyone who shared a scene with her knows of her formidable talent."
A Career of Accolades and Acclaim
Throughout her career, Dame Maggie won two Academy Awards, for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1970 and California Suite in 1979. She earned four other Oscar nominations and collected seven Bafta Awards. Beyond these accolades, her true brilliance lay in her ability to balance both comedic and dramatic roles with ease.
Her co-star Miriam Margolyes, also of Harry Potter fame, called her "the best of the best," recalling how she combined "ferocity, delight, and tenderness" in her performances.
Tributes from the Stage and Screen
Theater colleagues and film co-stars alike have honored Dame Maggie’s incredible contributions to the arts. The National Theatre hailed her as "one of the greatest actors this country has ever witnessed." Fellow actress Dame Harriet Walter emphasized her extraordinary range, noting, "She could make you laugh and break your heart all in one scene."
Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes praised her talent, calling her "a joy to write for," while Lesley Nicol, who played Mrs. Patmore, said, "It's devastating to think she’s no longer with us."
A Private Legacy
In a statement, Dame Maggie’s sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, shared that their mother "passed away peacefully in hospital," surrounded by loved ones. They expressed their gratitude to the medical staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care during her final days.
While Dame Maggie was known for being fiercely private, her impact on audiences and the industry is undeniable. As Rob Lowe, who worked with her in Suddenly, Last Summer, put it: "She could eat anyone alive on screen — and often did. We will never see another like her."
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