Beloved British actress Maggie Smith died September 27th, 2024, in the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, in London, UK. Although the cause of death has not yet been released, she had been struggling with both Graves Disease and Breast Cancer over the course of her acting career. Smith is known for her role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the infamous film series, Harry Potter. She has also played roles in films and series including Downton Abbey, Sister Act and Hook.
Smith studied acting at Oxford Playhouse School and started doing venus at Oxford in the 1950s. She first received recognition in her Broadway play New Faces and her comedy role in Share My Lettuce. She made her first on screen debut in the film “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” and won an academy award for best actress. A couple years later she won an academy award for best supporting actress for her role in “California Suite.” One of Smith’s most popular roles that she took on in the 21st century was Professor McGonagall in the well known movie series Harry Potter. Another popular role she took on was Violet Crawley in the show “Downton Abbey,” where she won 3 emmys for her performance. Throughout her career, she stayed involved in the theater industry along with on screen roles.
Coincidentally, Smith passed away exactly one year after her coworker Michael Gambon, the actor who played the role of Professor Albus Dumbledore died. On September 27th, 2023, Gambon passed away due to pneumonia. The two actors both played important roles in the Harry Potter films, as headmaster and deputy headmistress under Dumbledore. The fact that Smith passed away exactly one year after Gambon has a sort of spooky but sweet affect, due to their friendship throughout their careers.
Overall, the legendary actress Maggie Smith will definitely be remembered. Her famous roles including Professor Mcgonnall, Violet Crawley, and Jean Brodie will go down in history. She is known as one of the greatest actresses of the century and will remain a role model for future young actresses.