Veteran actress Maggie Smith, who played Professor McGonagal in the famous “Harry Potter” series, has passed away at the age of 89 due to old age.
Her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens said in a statement: "She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27 September. "A very private person, she was surrounded by friends and family at the end. She leaves behind two sons and five lovely grandchildren who are all devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.
Maggie Smith began her film career in the 1950s. She is best known for her roles before Professor McGonagal. Her work, from “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie,” “Downton Abbey” to Harry Potter, has earned her numerous awards and recognition, including two Oscars and eight Baftas.
Many actors have paid tribute to her. Veteran actor Michael Caine said: “It was my great honor to make two films with the legendary Maggie Smith. A truly remarkable actress and a dear friend, who will be greatly missed.”
Actress Whoopi Goldberg, who co-starred with Maggie Smith in the “Sister Act” episodes, said: “Maggie Smith was an amazing woman and an incredible actress. I still can’t believe I was lucky enough to work with someone so unique. My deepest condolences to the family.”
Born in 1934, Maggie Smith grew up in Oxford, England, and began her acting career at the city’s Playhouse as a teenager. She appeared in many stage productions, including the 1957 musical comedy “Share My Lettuce” by Bamber Gascoigne, opposite Kenneth Williams. She also made her breakthrough in film, starring in Seth Holt’s 1958 thriller “Nowhere to Go,” for which she was nominated for a Bafta Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Maggie Smith's most famous role to the world audience is Professor Minerva McGonagall in the "Harry Potter" series. She appeared in all the films from 2001 to 2011.
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