Actress Maggie Smith passed away “peacefully” on September 27th, and Hollywood didn't hesitate to pay tribute.
Smith's Harry Potter co-star Daniel Radcliffe issued a statement praising the star, who played Professor Minerva McGonagall, head of Gryffindor House, in the series.
“I first met Maggie Smith when I was nine years old and we were reading a scene together for David Copperfield, which was my first job. “I knew very little about her other than that I was stunned by the fact that I would love to work with her,” Radcliffe said in a statement to Variety.
Maggie Smith has been in the film and television industry for 60 years. (John Hayes/Jenny Lewis)
“The other thing I knew about her was that she was a Dame, so the first thing I asked her when I met her was, 'Can I call you Dame?' She laughed and said something to the effect of, “Don't be ridiculous!” I remember being nervous to meet her, but she was incredibly kind to me on that shoot and immediately put me at ease. And I was lucky enough to continue working with her on the Harry Potter films for another 10 years.
Downton Abbey and Harry Potter star Maggie Smith dies at 89
“She had a fierce intellect, a brilliantly sharp tongue, a person who could be intimidating and captivating at the same time, and, as everyone said, extremely funny. I always consider myself incredibly lucky to spend time around her on set. Legend is an overused word, but if it applies to anyone in our industry, it applies to her as well. That applies, thank you.”
King Charles III praised Smith in a statement to GBN on Friday.
“The word legend is overused, but if it applies to anyone in this industry, it applies to her. Thank you, Maggie.”
“My wife and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs. Maggie Smith.As the curtain falls on the National Treasure, we, along with people around the world, would like to pay tribute to her many wonderful performances and achievements. He will be remembered with admiration and love.''His warmth and wit shone on and off stage,'' his statement said.
“Anyone who has shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her keen eye, sharp wit and formidable talent,” Hugh Bonneville, Smith's “Downton Abbey” co-star, said in a statement to The Associated Press. She was a true legend.” My condolences to her generation and, thankfully, to her sons and wider family who will live on in many great films. ”
Rob Lowe, previously on Twitter, wrote: “Sad to hear of the passing of Dame Maggie Smith. I had an unforgettable experience working with her. Sharing a two-shot is paired with Lion. It was like, “She could eat anyone alive.'' But he was fun and a great companion. We'll never see each other again, Mr. Smith! ”
George Takei said: “A great star of film and theater has passed away. Maggie Smith, most recently known for her unforgettable roles as the Countess in Downton Abbey and Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films, has passed away at the age of 89. She will be missed by fans both young and old.”
Ariana Grande shared a photo of Smith on her Instagram Story, which included several hearts and an infinity symbol.
“Maggie Smith was a wonderful woman and a wonderful actress. I still can't believe how lucky I was to be a part of this 'one of a kind' work. My deepest condolences to her family…rest in peace. ,” Smith's Sister Act co-star Whoopi Goldberg posted on Instagram.
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Ms. Smith's sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens released a statement to Fox News Digital on Friday through Ms. Smith's publicist, Claire Dobbs, announcing the actress' death.
“It is with great sadness that we must announce the death of Mrs. Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday, September 27th,” the statement said.
Maggie Smith has died 'peacefully' at the age of 89. (Jenny Lewis)
“A very private person, she was with friends and family at the end of her life,” the statement continued. “She left behind two sons and five beloved grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of a special mother and grandmother. I would like to thank the wonderful staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and generosity.”
“We appreciate everyone's kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”
born ilford, england, The 1934 Oscar-winning actress was best known for her roles as Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey and Professor Minerva McGonagall in Harry Potter. movie.
Dame Maggie Smith was known for her roles in Downton Abbey and Harry Potter. (Reuters/Peter Nichols)
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Smith began her career in 1952 when she appeared as Viola in Twelfth Night at the Oxford Playhouse. She made her Broadway debut in 1956 in various roles in New Faces of '56 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.
That same year, Smith appeared in her first film, Child in the House. In 1959, she received her first BAFTA nomination for her role in Nowhere to Go.
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Smith received her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in 1965's “Othello.” Four years later, she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Academy Award for Best Actress She won the award for her performance in the 1969 film The Prime of Miss Jean Brody.
Maggie Smith received compliments from her peers not only in Hollywood but all over the world. (Maggie Smith Representative)
Throughout his six-decade career, Smith appeared in a variety of films, television shows, and theatrical productions. She has won two Academy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, four Emmy Awards, five Screen Actors Guild Awards, and one Tony Award.
Smith was married to Beverly Cross until her death in March 1998.
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Ms Smith has two sons, Chris Stevens and Toby Larkin, with her ex-husband, actor Robert Stevens, and five grandchildren.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
