Downton Abbey stars lead the tributes to Harry Potter legend Dame Maggie Smith as she dies age 89
DOWNTON Abbey stars have led tributes to Dame Maggie Smith as she dies aged 89.
The beloved actress played Professor Minerva McGonagall in blockbuster film franchise Harry Potter.
Maggie was also well-known for bringing her scathing wit to other roles, including as Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey.
Her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens said she died in hospital early this morning.
Following the news, tributes have started to pour in, with This Morning’s Gyles Brandreth posting: “The saddest news: the death of Dame Maggie Smith marks the end of a golden era & a quite extraordinary life.
“She was a truly great actress, “one of the greats” & simply the best company: wise, witty, waspish, wonderful. One of a kind in every way & consequently irreplaceable.”
Actor and comedian Omid Djalili said: “We’ve lost one the best today. RIP Maggie Smith.”
It comes as…
- Dame Maggie Smith has died aged 89
- Her last picture showed the actress posing for a fashion campaign
- Tributes have been paid to the star by fellow celebs
- Her long health battle with cancer has been revealed
- Dame Maggie spent the last two decades mourning her late husband
- Maggie spent her final days surrounded by her beloved sons
Hugh Bonneville, who starred in Downton Abbey with Maggie, said: “Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent.
“She was a true legend of her generation and thankfully will live on in so many magnificent screen performances. My condolences to her boys and wider family.”
Good Morning Britain’s Richard Arnold posted: “In a watering hole when the news broke. ‘Oh no!’ echoed around the tables.
“The restaurant dimmed the lights, glasses were raised. RIP the inimitable Dame Maggie Smith.”
In a statement, a BAFTA spokesperson said: “We’re saddened to hear that actor Dame Maggie Smith, best known for the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey, has died at the age of 89.
“Dame Maggie was a legend of British stage and screen, winning five BAFTAs as well as a BAFTA Special Award and BAFTA Fellowship during her highly acclaimed career.”
She was a true legend of her generation and thankfully will live on in so many magnificent screen performances
Hugh Bonneville
Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley in Harry Potter, marked Maggie’s death by updating his Instagram profile picture to the late actress kissing him on the cheek.
Taking to X, Piers Morgan posted: “RIP Dame Maggie Smith. Magnificent actress, magnificent lady.
“As entertaining, sharp and witty off screen as she was off it. A very very sad loss for Britain.”
US actor Rob Lowe said: “Saddened to hear Dame Maggie Smith has passed. I had the unforgettable experience of working with her; sharing a two-shot was like being paired with a lion.
“She could eat anyone alive, and often did. But funny, and great company. And suffered no fools. We will never see another. God speed, Ms. Smith!”