Dame Maggie Smith was perhaps one of the greatest actresses of her generation. Whether you loved her because of Harry Potter or Downton Abbey, her loss will definitely be felt.
Actress Dame Maggie Smith, who was best known for her roles as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter series and as Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey has passed away at the age of 89 years old, according to her family.
A joint statement released by her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin read, “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.”
It went on, “She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September. 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.”
The statement thanked the hospital and its staff, saying, “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.
