The British star actress Maggie Smith is dead. She died on Friday morning at the age of 89 in a clinic in London, her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens said through Smith’s spokeswoman Clair Dobbs. Smith was considered one of the most outstanding British actresses of her generation and was often mentioned in the same breath as Vanessa Redgrave and Judi Dench.
Smith was a two-time Oscar winner
Over the course of her career, Smith won several awards. These included two Oscars from the US Film Academy – for her acting in the films “The Best Years of Miss Jean Brodie” and “The Crazy California Hotel”.
Even in her old age, she was still in demand – and was successful as the ultra-conservative Dowager Countess Lady Violet Crawley in “Downton Abbey” and as the strict and clever professor Minerva McGonagall in the hit “Harry Potter” films.
Starmer: Maggie Smith ‘introduced us to new worlds’
Maggie Smith was born in Ilford near London in 1934 and appeared on the theater stage at an early age. After being honored by the British royal family, she was also allowed to wear the title “Dame”. She died in hospital on Friday morning, PA reported. She was with friends and family at the end, said a statement from her sons, which the British news agency quoted.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote on Platform X that Smith was loved by many for her great talent. “Dame Maggie Smith has introduced us to new worlds through the many stories she has starred in throughout her long career.” Your work will be valued for generations to come.
Colleagues honor the actress – and her talent
Actor Hugh Bonneville of “Downton Abbey” hailed her as a “true legend of her generation.” Anyone who has ever filmed a scene with her will be able to attest to her keen eye, sharp wit and outstanding talent, said a statement quoted by British media.
American actress Whoopi Goldberg also remembered Smith on Instagram. The two had filmed “Sister Act” together – Goldberg posted a photo of the two in nun’s robes. “Maggie Smith was a great woman and a brilliant actress,” Goldberg wrote. She still can’t believe that she was lucky enough to work with such a unique person.
With information from dpa
