LEGEND REMEMBERED
Who was Dame Maggie Smith? Actress who played Harry Potter’s Professor McGonagall & Downton Abbey’s Violet Crawley
Find out how the iconic star got her big break in showbusiness
LEGENDARY actress Maggie Smith has died aged 89, after a glittering 70 year career.
Known to many for her roles in Harry Potter and Downtown Abbey, the much-loved star leaves behind an incredible legacy.
5
5
Born on December 28, 1934, Dame Maggie Smith was an actress known for work both on stage and screen.
The Essex native was the daughter of an English public health pathologist father who worked at Oxford University and a Scottish secretary mother.
She studied acting at the Oxford Playhouse and kicked off her career by playing Viola in Twelfth Night.
Her first ever movie role was an uncredited part in Child In The House (1956).
In 1990, Maggie was awarded Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year Honours list.
Becoming a star
Maggie's career was full of iconic movies, fan-favourite television series, and countless awards.
The Dame had an impressive career, staying in the spotlight well into her eighties.
Harry Potter
5
One of her much-loved characters included Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise.
Most read in celebrity
Hand picked by author JK Rowling, Maggie enjoyed playing the role.
Her character was the Scottish Head of Gryffindor House and Transfiguration Professor who earned viewers' affection with her caring, no-nonsense attitude.
She was in all eight Harry Potter films which ran from 2001 until 2011.
Downton Abbey
5
Fans couldn't get enough of Maggie in Downton Abbey and she helped put the show on the map.
On the iconic ITV series she played Violet Crawley, Countess of Grantham.
Maggie appeared in all five series of the show, plus the two spin-off movies.
Sister Act
5
Maggie was highly praised for her role in both of the Sister Act movies (1992 and 1993).
She starred in the blockbusters alongside Whoopi Goldberg.
In the movies she played Mother Superior.
Maggie Smith's Dowager Countess faces off against Imedla Staunton in world exclusive Downton Abbey movie clip
Some of her other big roles included:
- Miss Shepherd in The Lady In The Van (2015)
- Jean Brodie in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)
- Constance Trentham in Gosford Park (2001)
Married life
Maggie was married twice during her life.
Firstly to Robert Stephens, who she has two sons with, Chris Larkin and Toby.
Maggie's second husband was Beverley Cross, who died in 1998.
Maggie passes away
On September 27, 2024, Maggie's sons said she had died in hospital early that morning.
In a statement issued via their publicist, they said: “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.
"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.
"We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time."
Topics