Mannat Saini, Pune
Oscar-winning actress Maggie Smith, known for her prominent roles in the Harry Potter movies and Downtown Abbey, has died on the 27th of September at the age of 89.
The British legend who was renowned for her roles in the Harry Potter movies and Downtown Abbey had won two Oscar awards throughout her career – one for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1970 and the other for California Suite in 1979. She also had four other nominations alongside a total of seven Bafta awards.
The Prime Minister of Britain, Keir Starmer, observed how talented Smith was, adding to the national treasure of Britain that the upcoming generations will truly cherish.
Smith’s first landmark performance was in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) where she portrayed a robust character. Her screen presence earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress alongside global recognition.
She won her second Oscar nearly a decade later. This time, for portraying a side character who loses an Oscar in Neil Simon’s California Suite (1978). The subtleness of comedy and seriousness in the role reflected Smith’s capabilities as an actress, earning her global respect.
For Potterheads, Smith will be remembered as Professor Minerva McGonagall and her triangular witch sorting hat that guided young wizards in Hogwarts. Her screen presence became a treat to all viewers of the Harry Potter movies. Some fans claim to have been soothed by her character, bringing to life JK Rowling’s vision of a Professor who is equal parts witty, authoritative, and compassionate. Professor McGonagall was truly Maggie Smith’s foundational legacy as a brilliant artist.
For the viewers of the hit ITV drama Downton Abbey, she will be remembered as Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, who was a true queen of witty one-liners throughout the lengthy course of the show’s six series.
Her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin have come forward in a public statement to announce the death of their mother, informing that she passed away peacefully in the morning.
Tributes have started pouring in from across the world, many of which trace her remarkable career journey spanning over seven decades.