'Harry Potter' star Dame Maggie Smith dies at 89, fans pay heartfelt tribute to beloved 'professor'

SUSSEX, ENGLAND: Dame Maggie Smith, one of the world’s most acclaimed actresses, has died at the age of 89.

The news was confirmed by her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin on Friday, September 27, via a statement released through publicist Clair Dobbs, according to People.

How did Dame Maggie Smith die?

In their heartfelt announcement, Dame Maggie Smith's sons shared, "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 27th September," they added.

Smith’s sons also revealed that she was surrounded by friends and family during her final moments.

"She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother," they shared.

In their statement, Stephens and Larkin expressed their deep gratitude to the staff of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days," they continued.

"We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time," the family concluded.

However, details of the cause of her death have not been revealed yet.

Dame Maggie Smith's distinguished career spanned over 70 years

Dame Maggie Smith’s career was marked by numerous accolades and unforgettable performances in film, television, and theater.

The actress appeared in over 50 films and won two Academy Awards, first in 1969 for 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie' and again in 1978 for 'California Suite.'

Additionally, she earned four Golden Globe Awards and four more Oscar nominations.

Born in Ilford, England, in 1934, Smith made her stage debut in 1952 as Viola in a production of 'Twelfth Night', marking the beginning of a remarkable career that would span more than seven decades.

Dame Maggie Smith's iconic roles in 'Harry Potter' and 'Downton Abbey'

While Dame Maggie Smith enjoyed success in various roles, her portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series introduced her to a new generation of fans.

She first appeared as the no-nonsense transfiguration professor and head of Gryffindor house in the 2001 film 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone', reprising her role throughout the eight-film saga.

Smith's talent for playing sharp, witty characters continued in the hit BBC series 'Downton Abbey' in which she played the role of Dowager Countess Violet Crawley, earning her three Emmy Awards.

Fans pay heartfelt tribute to beloved Dame Maggie Smith

As Dame Maggie Smith's sons announced the news of her death, fans worldwide expressed their grief and paid tribute to the legendary actress.

One fan on X wrote, "She was such a brilliant actress and the most perfect McGonagall. Rest in peace Maggie Smith." Another added, "RIP. You are always my favorite professor."

"Sigh...was just thinking of that... The Heaven has the best teachers of Hogwarts!" a netizen commented. Someone tweeted, "She was a treasure ,anything she played in I watched , she had a razor sharp wit I enjoyed ,but she could make you cry too ,I will miss her RIP Maggie Smith."

"She will live in our hearts forever, mother to Hogwarts, legendary actress rest in peace," a fan remarked. Another wrote, "She’s going down as one of the most legendary actresses ever."

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