Dame Maggie Smith, whose illustrious acting career spanned seven decades across stage and screen, passed away at the age of 89. Her publicist confirmed that she died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends on Friday morning.

Once delicate and slender in roles like Desdemona, where Laurence Olivier’s Othello could easily smother her with a pillow, Smith grew into a formidable presence by the end of her career. Standing at just five-foot-five, her characters became indomitable forces, whether she was hurling epithets in Shaw, casting spells as Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter, or silencing opponents with mere glances as Lady Violet in Downton Abbey.

Maggie Smith in February 1969.

Act One: A Career Built on Precision and Wit
Maggie Smith’s ability to captivate audiences was honed early in her career. She made her professional stage debut as a teenager, quickly advancing to Britain’s National Theatre, the West End, and Broadway.

With her precise diction, she excelled in witty, fast-talking roles, particularly in works by Noel Coward and George Bernard Shaw. Her breakthrough came when she won the Oscar for Best Actress in 1970 for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, where she played a deluded teacher in a Scottish girls’ school.

Maggie Smith as Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham on Downton Abbey.

Her prime years saw her dominate both film and stage, with leading roles in productions ranging from Hedda Gabler to Peter Pan, while also earning a second Oscar for Neil Simon’s California Suite.

Act Two: Evolving with Age
In the second phase of her career, Smith embraced more diverse roles, from a chaperone in A Room with a View to a cranky resident in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. She portrayed memorable characters, including a Mother Superior in Sister Act and a homeless woman in The Lady in the Van. Contemporary playwrights like Peter Shaffer even wrote roles specifically for her, such as the wildly imaginative tour guide in Lettice and Lovage.

Dame Maggie Smith dies aged 89

Act Three: A Global Icon
Smith’s career took on new heights with her portrayal of Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter series and Lady Violet in Downton Abbey. These roles introduced her to new generations of fans. Her sharp-tongued, regal presence in Downton left viewers eagerly anticipating her every line, making her one of the show’s standout stars.

Despite portraying aloof and entitled characters, in reality, Smith’s charm and wit won the hearts of audiences for over seven decades. Her contribution to the arts earned her numerous honors, including a Damehood and membership in the Order of the Companions of Honour. Maggie Smith’s career was a testament to her immense talent, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire for years to come.

Dame Maggie Smith dies aged 89: Tributes pour in for Harry Potter and  Downton Abbey star following death | Evening Standard