Dame Maggie Smith, iconic British actress, dies at 89
Dame Maggie Smith, the legendary British actress known for roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, died at 89 in London's Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. Her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin announced her passing, noting she was with friends and family. Born in 1934 in Oxford, she began acting at the Oxford Playhouse. After a BAFTA nomination for Nowhere to Go (1958), Laurence Olivier invited her to the National Theatre in 1962, casting her as Desdemona, earning an Oscar nomination. She won her first Oscar for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1970), later winning a second for California Suite (1979). Other nominations included Travels with My Aunt (1973) and A Room with a View. She was made a Dame in 1990. Her popular success included Harry Potter (11 years), Downton Abbey (two Emmys), and The Lady in the Van. She continued acting through cancer treatment.
Key facts
- Maggie Smith died at 89 in Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London.
- Her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin announced her death.
- Born Margaret Natalie Smith in 1934 in Oxford.
- First BAFTA nomination for Nowhere to Go (1958).
- Joined the National Theatre in 1962 at Laurence Olivier's invitation.
- Won Best Actress Oscar for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1970).
- Won Best Supporting Actress Oscar for California Suite (1979).
- Made a Dame in 1990.
- Played Minerva McGonagall in Harry Potter for 11 years.
- Won two Emmys for Downton Abbey.
- Last major role was in The Lady in the Van.
Entities
Artists
- Maggie Smith
- Toby Stephens
- Chris Larkin
- Laurence Olivier
- Muriel Spark
- Ingmar Bergman
- Graham Greene
- Merchant Ivory
- Franco Zeffirelli
- Edna O'Brien
- Alan Bennett
- Giulia Giaume
Institutions
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
- Oxford Playhouse
- National Theatre
- Stratford Festival Theatre
- Artribune
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Oxford
- England
- Canada