OMG, this is, like, such heartbreaking news: Maggie Smith, the queen of British stage and screen, has passed away at the age of 89. She died peacefully on September 27, 2024, at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London, surrounded by her loved ones. Honestly, the world is, like, mourning the loss of one of its brightest stars. According to reports from BBC and The Los Angeles Times, her family, including her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, thanked the hospital staff for their care and asked for privacy during this difficult time(
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A Legendary Career
Maggie’s career spanned over seven decades—literally, forever—and she was known for her amazing versatility. She started in theater during the 1950s, and like, TBH, never stopped captivating audiences. Maggie totally slayed everything from Shakespeare on stage to being Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films. Everyone knows her for that, but let’s not forget, she was already a huge deal long before Hogwarts.
She was a two-time Academy Award winner, no big deal, right? She won Best Actress in 1969 for her role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, where she played a super eccentric teacher, and then she picked up Best Supporting Actress in 1978 for California Suite. Seriously, she just kept collecting trophies. She also snagged five BAFTAs, three Emmys, and a Tony Award. Like, can we talk about how she’s literally won every major acting award there is? Plus, in 1990, she was made a Dame by the Queen herself for her contributions to drama. So yeah, Maggie was not just an actress, she was royalty in her own right(
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Violet Crawley & McGonagall: Icons Forever
Most younger fans will always remember her as the wise and stern Professor McGonagall from the Harry Potter series. I mean, who else could pull off that combo of strict yet caring vibes, right? Her line, “Why is it always you three?” is basically classic McGonagall. And let’s not forget her role as the Dowager Countess, Violet Crawley, in Downton Abbey. That character was, like, the definition of sass, and her one-liners had us all gasping and LOL-ing every episode. She was so iconic in Downton Abbey that she won three Emmys for that role, because duh, no one else could deliver those zingers quite like her. And she didn’t just stop with the series, she came back for both Downton Abbey movies, including A New Era in 2022, and we were living for it(
Global News) .
Private Yet Powerful
Despite being one of the biggest stars, Maggie was super private. Like, she didn’t do the whole Hollywood glam thing, which kinda made her even more fascinating. She kept her personal life on the DL, but we do know that she battled breast cancer back in 2007 and kept working through it like a total boss. That just goes to show how committed she was to her craft.
Her family—sons Chris and Toby, who are actors themselves—released a statement after her passing, asking for privacy and thanking everyone for their support. Chris and Toby were both super close with their mom, and their statement made it clear how much they adored her(
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Tributes Pouring In
Since the news broke, tributes have been pouring in from all over the world. Hugh Bonneville, who worked with her on Downton Abbey, called her “an irreplaceable treasure” and said working with her was one of the greatest privileges of his life. Emma Watson, her Harry Potter co-star, shared that Maggie had taught her so much about acting just by being around her and called her “a beacon of talent and grace.” Kenneth Branagh, who has known Maggie since their National Theatre days, said, “Maggie Smith was one of the greatest talents of our time. She lit up every role, and it was impossible not to be completely captivated by her presence on stage and screen.” Honestly, it’s just so moving to see how many lives she touched with her talent and kindness(
Global News) .
A Lasting Legacy
Maggie’s legacy is, like, beyond epic. From her early days in theater to becoming a household name as McGonagall and the Dowager Countess, she left a mark on the world of film and television that will never fade. She inspired countless actors and actresses, and her performances are going to live on forever. Every time someone re-watches Harry Potter or binge-watches Downton Abbey, they’re going to see that sass and wisdom that Maggie brought to life so perfectly.
Her impact goes way beyond just winning awards or delivering iconic lines. She was the kind of actress who could make you feel everything with just a look or a single line, and not many people can do that. Maggie Smith was one of a kind, and honestly, the world is a little less bright without her in it.
Rest in peace, Dame Maggie Smith. You’ll be remembered forever.
XOXO,
Valley Girl News
