Maggie Smith, Iconic Harry Potter and Downton Abbey Star and Two-Time Oscar Winner, Dies at….

Maggie Smith, Iconic Harry Potter and Downton Abbey Star and Two-Time Oscar Winner, Dies at 89
The actress starred in over 80 films and TV shows such as ‘Downton Abbey’ and the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise

Dame Maggie Smith, one of the world’s most distinguished actresses, has died. She was 89.

Her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, confirmed the news on Friday, Sept. 27, saying in a statement via publicist Clair Dobbs, “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.”

“She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September,” they continued. “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.”

“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,” Stephens and Larkin added.

The brothers concluded, “We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”

Smith, who appeared in over 50 films, won two Academy Awards for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and California Suite (1978). She also nabbed four Golden Globe Awards and had four additional Oscar nominations.

The actress was well-known for her portrayals of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film series, as well as Violet Crawley in the Downton Abbey series.

Born in Ilford, England, in 1934, Smith made her stage debut in 1952, playing Viola in a stage production of Twelfth Night. Her career spanned over 70 years, and included starring roles in television, film and theater.