It is the end of an era as the world bids farewell to renowned actor Dame Maggie Smith at the age of 89. The Oscar-winning actor, as stated by the Daily Mail, died in hospital after having a successful 70-year acting career. As many share in their grief at the passing of ‘one of the greats,’ she will be remembered as the kind Professor McGonagall from Harry Potter, as well as for her role in Downton Abbey.
Her two sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, told the world about their mother’s recent passing with ‘great sadness.’ The family paid tribute to their mother, who was surrounded by her friends and family in the end. Maggie Smith was born in Ilford, Essex in 1934 and was internationally recognized for her work as Jean Brodie in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
According to Hello Magazine, it is reported that King Charles and Queen Camilla paid tribute to the renowned actress. A statement said that ‘as the curtain comes down on a national treasure, we join all those around the world in remembering with the fondest admiration and affection her many great performances.’
As well as this, many Harry Potter co-stars paid tribute, with Daniel Radcliffe detailing his parents being awe-struck at Radcliffe working alongside Dame Maggie Smith. He says ‘I remember feeling nervous to meet her and then her putting me immediately at ease.’ We see the warmth of character this talented, renowned actor had, allowing her to not only touch people on screen but in person also.
On the BBC, we see further the outpouring of love and respect many have towards the recently passed actor, with Harry Potter co-star Emma Watson posting on Instagram: ‘Maggie, there are a lot of male professors and by God, you held your own.’ Additionally, Rupert Grint commented on the passing, saying how he felt ‘incredibly lucky to have shared a set with [Dame Maggie] and particularly lucky to have shared a dance.’
Keir Starmer also paid tribute to the recent passing, highlighting how ‘she introduced us to new worlds with the countless stories she acted over her long career.’ After a lengthy, rewarding career, Dame Maggie Smith will go down in history as a true legend of her craft, sorely missed on and off screen. Now, in the words of Rob Lowe, who starred alongside Dame Maggie in 1993s Last Summer, ‘We will never see another. Godspeed, Ms Smith!’