Maggie Smith, Beloved British Actress, Dies at 89

Maggie Smith, one of Britain’s most celebrated actresses, has died at the age of 89, her family announced on Friday. With a career that spanned over seven decades, Smith was renowned for her roles in a wide array of productions, from Shakespearean plays to contemporary films like the “Harry Potter” series and the acclaimed television drama “Downton Abbey.”

Throughout her illustrious career, Smith achieved the remarkable feat of winning an Oscar, an Emmy, and a Tony, placing her among a select group of performers who have accomplished this trifecta. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid tribute to her legacy, stating, “She introduced us to new worlds with the countless stories she acted over her long career.” He added, “She was beloved by so many for her great talent, becoming a true national treasure whose work will be cherished for generations to come.”

Beginning her stage career in the 1950s, Smith quickly became a key figure at the National Theatre in the 1960s, performing alongside notable figures like Laurence Olivier. She earned her first Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Desdemona in “Othello” in 1965, and won the Oscar for her role in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” in 1969, in which she played a passionate Edinburgh schoolmistress.

While she captivated audiences with her theatrical performances, many younger fans came to know her as the formidable Professor McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” franchise and the sharp-witted Dowager Countess in “Downton Abbey,” roles that highlighted her distinctive blend of humor and gravitas.