Maggie Smith’s sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, shared the news of her death in a statement through her publicist.
“An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end,” they said. “She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
The 89-year-old actress’ career in acting spanned 70 years, during which she earned many awards. One of her most famous roles included Professor McGonagall in the ‘Harry Potter’ film series.
Following the news of her passing, the franchise’s author, J.K. Rowling, paid the actress tribute on X. “Somehow I thought she’d live forever. RIP Dame Maggie Smith,” her tweet read.
Daniel Radcliffe and other ‘Harry Potter’ co-stars also mourned her death online. Radcliffe shared how ‘incredibly kind’ she was to him during their time together on set (via Daily Mail).
“She was a fierce intellect, a gloriously sharp tongue, could intimidate and charm in the same instant and was, as everyone will tell you, extremely funny,” he continued. “I will always consider myself amazingly lucky to have been able to work with her, and to spend time around her on set. The word legend is overused but if it applies to anyone in our industry then it applies to her. Thank you, Maggie.”
Emma Watson highlighted Smith’s position as one of the few women in the series’ adult cast and wrote, “She was real, honest, funny and self-honouring. Maggie, there were a lot of male professors and by God you held your own. Thank you for all of your kindness. I’ll miss you.”
Maggie Smith was the holder of two Academy Awards, five BAFTA Awards, four Emmy Awards, and three Golden Globes. She was also one of the few to earn the Triple Crown of Acting.
Somehow I thought she'd live forever.
RIP Dame Maggie Smith. pic.twitter.com/VogfvR9nIF— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 27, 2024
