Dame Maggie Smith, the actress best known for her roles in the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey, has died at the age of 89.
A legend of British stage and screen, she won two Academy Awards during her career – in 1970 for Miss Gene Brody’s Prime and 1979’s California Suite.
She has been nominated for four other awards and won eight Baftas.
Her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin released a statement saying: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs Maggie Smith.
“She died peacefully in hospital early on Friday, September 27. She was a very private person and spent her last days with friends and family. She leaves behind two sons and five loving grandchildren who are mourned by the loss of their extraordinary His mother and grandmother were devastated.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospitals for their care and generous kindness during her final days.
“We appreciate all of your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”
Downton Abbey co-star Hugh Bonneville paid tribute, saying: “Anyone who has spent time with Maggie will attest to her keen eye, razor-sharp intelligence and formidable talent.
“She was a true legend of her generation and thankfully she will live on with so many wonderful screen performances. My condolences to her children and wider family.”
She began her career in theater, but she received her first BAFTA nomination in the 1958 melodrama Nowhere to Go.
In 1963, Laurence Olivier invited her to play the role of Desdemona opposite his Othello at the National Theatre. .
