Dame Maggie Smith, an iconic figure in British acting, passed away peacefully in hospital on Friday, September 27, at the age of 89. Her sons announced her death, emphasizing her desire for privacy and expressing gratitude to the staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care during her final days.
Early Life and Career
Born in 1934 in Ilford, East London, Smith’s family relocated to Oxford just before World War II. Her acting journey began at the Oxford Playhouse School from 1951 to 1953, where she made her stage debut in Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.”
Smith’s talent quickly propelled her to Broadway and London’s theater scene. Her breakthrough came in 1964 when she played Desdemona opposite Laurence Olivier in “Othello,” a role she reprised in the film version the following year.
Accolades and Achievements
Smith’s illustrious career was marked by numerous awards and honors:
- Two Academy Awards: Best Actress for “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” (1969) and Best Supporting Actress for “California Suite” (1978)
- Multiple British Academy Film Awards, including for “A Room with a View” (1985) and “The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne” (1987)
- Made Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1990
Later Career and Renewed Fam
Smith’s career experienced a remarkable resurgence in later life:
- Starred in the 1999 classic “Tea with Mussolini”
- Gained a new generation of fans as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” film series
- Achieved widespread acclaim for her role as the Dowager Countess of Grantham in “Downton Abbey,” earning three Emmy Awards
Personal Life
Smith was married twice: to actor Robert Stephens (divorced in 1974) and playwright Beverley Cross (from 1975 until he died in 1998). She is survived by two sons and five grandchildren.
Throughout her career, Smith was known for her wit, charm, and graceful approach to aging in the entertainment industry. Her passing marks the end of an era in British acting, leaving behind a legacy that spans generations and mediums.