Rest In Peace: Remembering Dame Maggie Smith’s Illustrious Life Both Onscreen And Off

Legendary Actress Dame Maggie Smith passed away on September 27 in England at 89. She was born Margaret Natalie Smith in 1934. Maggie began her professional acting career in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night in 1952. Her career continued for 71 years, touching many generations with her incredible work.

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Some remember Maggie Smith for her first Oscar-winning role in 1970’s The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. To others, she’s Mother Superior from the Sister Act Franchise. Younger generations will always know Maggie as the venerable Professor Minerva McGonagall. And we certainly can’t forget her role as Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey. No matter how we know Maggie, she was undoubtedly loved.

Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens shared a statement to the Press Association obtained by the BBC.

“It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday, September 27. An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”

The men asked for privacy during this difficult time.

Fans and co-stars flooded social media with dedications to Maggie and her indelible mark on Hollywood.

Rob Lowe posted a beautiful message on X, “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!”

Rest in Peace Dame Maggie Smith, the world is a better place because you were in it.

This story’s featured image is by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images.