LONDON – British actress Dame Maggie Smith, known for her distinguished seven-decade career spanning film, television, and theater, has died at the age of 89 in London. Smith was among the few performers to achieve the coveted triple crown of an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony Award, earning her place as one of Britain’s most revered talents.
Smith’s career began in the 1950s, and she gained prominence in the 1960s at the National Theater, later winning her first Oscar for her role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. Her second Academy Award came in 1978 for California Suite. She starred in numerous acclaimed productions, including A Room with a View and Gosford Park. More recently, she became known to a younger audience for her role as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter series and as the Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey, a part that garnered widespread acclaim and numerous awards.
Born Margaret Natalie Smith in 1934, she began acting in local Oxford theater before rising to international fame. Despite her success, Smith guarded her privacy and remained focused on her craft, avoiding the trappings of celebrity life. Her performances were marked by her impeccable timing, biting humor, and ability to balance vulnerability and strength, making her one of the most compelling figures in British entertainment.
Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1990, Dame Maggie Smith was celebrated for her remarkable body of work and her enduring influence on stage and screen. She is survived by her two sons, actors Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, who were with her in her final days, surrounded by close family and friends. (NNT)
