Smith’s career took another big turn in the 1990s and 2000s when she played Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film series.
Smith has had tremendous success in television in addition to her work in theater and cinema, most notably for her performance of the fearsome Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey.
Smith has received many honors for her acting career, including the title of Companion of Honour in 2014 and Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 1990. However, it has since been verified that Smith passed very tragically.
Her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin released the following statement, which was obtained by the BBC: “We must announce Dame Maggie Smith’s passing with deep grief.
“She died quietly this morning, Friday, September 27, at the hospital. A very private person, she passed away surrounded by loved ones.
She leaves behind two sons and five devoted grandkids who are inconsolable at the passing of their remarkable grandma and mother.
