Hollywood stars are paying tribute Maggie Smith’s life and career after the actress passed away on Friday, September 27, at the age of 89. Smith’s two sons, Toby and Chris, confirmed their mother’s death in a statement to the BBC.
“She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September. 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,” they said in a statement to the BBC.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days.” They concluded: “We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”
Smith is most famous for her roles in the Harry Potter and Downton Abbey series. In 1990, she was honored with the title of Dame Commander, and in 2014, she received another special award, the Companion of Honor, from the British royal family.
After Smith passed away, many celebrities shared their condolences with her family and friends. Keep scrolling to read their tributes:
Hugh Bonneville
Smith’s Downton costar Bonneville offered his “condolences to her boys and wider family” in a statement to the BBC.
“Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent,” he added. “She was a true legend of her generation and thankfully will live on in so many magnificent screen performances.”
Rob Lowe
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.… pic.twitter.com/wjJCL7FqWf
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) September 27, 2024
Maren Morris
Morris revealed via her Instagram Story that she always enjoyed Smith’s roles in The Secret Garden, Hook, Sister Act, Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.
“My childhood,” the singer wrote. “Rest easy, Maggie Smith.”
Omid Djalili
We’ve lost one the best today.
— Omid Djalili (@omid9) September 27, 2024
RIP Maggie Smith. pic.twitter.com/8hLqJw9qnJ
Gyles Brandreth
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. pic.twitter.com/34EOnE4Zgp
— Gyles Brandreth (@GylesB1) September 27, 2024