Renowned British actress Dame Maggie Smith, a star of stage and screen for over seven decades, has died peacefully in a London hospital, her sons announced today, she was 89
Born on December 28, 1934, Smith was a luminary of British film and theatre, boasting an impressive array of awards.
Her iconic portrayal of the Dowager Countess of Grantham, Violet Crawley, in the hit TV series “Downton Abbey” cemented her international fame in later life.
Smith’s early success began with her stage debut in 1952 with the Oxford University Dramatic Society. She won Oscars for “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” and “Othello” in 1969.
Smith’s sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, released a statement announcing her passing. “It is with great sadness we announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning.”
They described their mother as “an intensely private person” surrounded by loved ones at the end. “Dame Maggie leaves behind two sons and five loving grandchildren, devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
The family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and kind messages.
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