Dame Maggie Smith, some of the celebrated and achieved actresses of her era, has handed away on the age of 89. The legendary British actress, greatest recognized for her iconic roles in Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter movie collection, leaves behind a rare legacy that spans greater than seven many years.

Her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, confirmed the heartbreaking information in a press release on Friday, Sept. 27. “It’s with nice disappointment we have now to announce the dying of Dame Maggie Smith,” they shared by way of publicist Clair Dobbs. “She handed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday twenty seventh September. An intensely non-public individual, she was with family and friends on the finish. She leaves two sons and 5 loving grandchildren who’re devastated by the lack of their extraordinary mom and grandmother.”

Maggie Smith’s profession was nothing in need of legendary. She received two Academy Awards, first for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1969, the place she performed the unorthodox and charismatic schoolteacher, and later for California Suite in 1978. She was nominated for 4 extra Oscars all through her profession, cementing her place as a powerhouse performer on the planet of movie.

Her skills weren’t restricted to the massive display. Smith captivated tv audiences along with her unforgettable portrayal of Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey, a job that earned her three Primetime Emmy Awards. And to tens of millions of youthful viewers, she’s going to all the time be remembered because the sensible and sharp-tongued Professor Minerva McGonagall within the Harry Potter collection.

Born in Ilford, England, in 1934, Maggie Smith made her stage debut in 1952 at simply 18 years previous, taking part in Viola in Twelfth Night time. Her exceptional stage profession noticed her carry out in lots of Shakespearean productions, and in 1990, she received a Tony Award for her efficiency in Lettice and Lovage. That very same 12 months, she was honored with a damehood by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to the performing arts.

Smith’s filmography is a testomony to her versatility and expertise. Along with her award-winning roles, she starred in “Dying on the Nile” (1978), “Hook” (1991), “Sister Act” (1992), “The Secret Backyard” (1993), “The Finest Unique Marigold Resort” (2012), and “The Woman within the Van” (2015).

Maggie Smith was married twice. First, to actor Robert Stephens in 1967, with whom she had her two sons. The couple divorced in 1975. Later that 12 months, she married playwright Beverley Cross, and so they remained collectively till his dying in 1998.

Although her presence will probably be missed, Maggie Smith’s legacy lives on in her timeless performances. Her capability to command each stage and display, her wit, grace, and dedication to her craft will proceed to encourage generations of actors and movie lovers alike.