Harry Potter and Downton Abbey star Dame Maggie Smith has died aged 89
The Oscar winning actress grew up in Oxford
Oscar winning actress Dame Maggie Smith, who grew up in Oxford, has sadly passed away at the age of 89. The actress was best known for her roles in the like of Harry Potter, Downton Abbey and Othello.
The sad news was announced in statement from her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin on the afternoon of Friday 27th September, who said: "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. 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.
"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.
"We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time."
Dame Maggie enjoyed an extensive career in the world of acting which lasted over seven decades, where she become one of the most-recognised British actresses.
After being appointed a CBE in 1970, she was later made a Dame in the 1990 New Year Honours, for services to the performing arts.
Growing up in Oxford
Dame Maggie Smith’s family moved to Oxford when she was four years old after her father, a public health pathologist, secured a position at Oxford University.
She attended Oxford High School until she was sixteen, when she left to study acting at the Oxford Playhouse.
In 1952, aged 17, she began her acting career under the auspices of the Oxford University Dramatic Society, playing the role of Viola in Twelfth Night.
Since the news of her passing, tributes have poured in from around the world of TV and film.
Gyles Brandreth wrote: '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'. (sic)
A fan wrote: 'RIP to the legend and the icon Dame Maggie Smith, she was a gift to all of us. 1934-2024 💔', with another adding: 'Dame Maggie smith, what an absolute icon in every sense of the word'.