Maggie Smith has been remembered by her former co-stars and described as ‘wise, witty, waspish, wonderful’ in tributes after her death on Friday.
Celebrities have taken to social media to share their memories of the oscar-winning actress died in hospital Friday morning aged 89, her sons revealed in a statement.
The British star was known for prominent roles as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise and as Violet Crawley in TV series Downton Abbey, as well as her Academy Award-winning performance in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie.
Paying tribute to his former co-star, Harry Potter’s Rupert Grint updated his Instagram profile picture to a sweet throwback of the pair.
Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville – who played her son in the show – also paid tribute.
Dame Maggie Smith has been hailed as ‘wise, witty, waspish, wonderful’ as celebrities pay tribute after her death (pictured in 2015)
Paying tribute to his former co-star, Harry Potter’s Rupert Grint updated his Instagram profile picture to a sweet throwback of the pair
Dame Maggie starred as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise while Rupert played Ron Weasley (pictured at a premiere in 2009)
Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville also paid tribute, saying: ‘Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent’
He told the BBC: ‘Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent.
‘She was a true legend of her generation and thankfully will live on in so many magnificent screen performances. My condolences to her boys and wider family.’
Dan Stevens – who played Matthew Crawley in the period drama – paid tribute on hisInstagram Story, writing ‘Truly one of The Greats. RIP’ alongside two pictures of his former co-star.
Gyles Brandreth was also quick to pay tribute and called the late actress ‘one of a kind in every way’.
Brandreth shared a photo of him with Smith on X, formerly Twitter, and 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 and consequently irreplaceable.’
Rob Lowe, who worked with Dame Maggie in 1992’s Suddenly, Last Summer, reflected on their time together.
He penned: ‘Saddened to hear Dame Maggie Smith has passed. I had the unforgettable experience of working with her; sharing a two-shot was like being paired with a lion.’
‘She could eat anyone alive, and often did. But funny, and great company. And suffered no fools. We will never see another. God speed, Ms. Smith!
Dan Stevens paid tribute on hisInstagram Story, writing ‘Truly one of The Greats. RIP’ alongside two pictures of his former co-star
Dan played Matthew Crawley in the period drama (pictured with Hugh)
Gyles Brandreth shared a photo of him with Smith on X, formerly Twitter , and wrote: ‘The saddest news: the death of Dame Maggie Smith marks the end of a golden era’
Omid Djalili tweeted: ‘We’ve lost one the best today.RIP Maggie Smith
Piers Morgan posted: ‘RIP Dame Maggie Smith. Magnificent actress, magnificent lady. As entertaining, sharp and witty off screen as she was off it. A very very sad loss for Britain’
Dame Maggie was described as a ‘legend of British stage and screen’ by BAFTA after she won five of their awards during her illustrious career
Star Trek legend George Takei tweeted: ‘A grand star of screen and stage has departed.
‘Maggie Smith, known most recently for her unforgettable roles as the Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey and as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films, passed away at age 89. Fans both old and young shall miss her dearly.’
Piers Morgan posted: ‘RIP Dame Maggie Smith. Magnificent actress, magnificent lady. As entertaining, sharp and witty off screen as she was off it. A very very sad loss for Britain.’
Omid Djalili tweeted: ‘We’ve lost one the best today.RIP Maggie Smith.’
Prime Minister Keir Starmer penned: ‘Dame Maggie Smith introduced us to new worlds with the countless stories she acted over her long career.
‘She was beloved by so many for her great talent, becoming a true national treasure whose work will be cherished for generations to come. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones. May she rest in peace.’
The X account for Larry the cat, Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office at 10 Downing Street, also paid tribute, writing: ‘Farewell Dame Maggie – nobody has ever done a better job of playing a cat.’
Dame Maggie was described as a ‘legend of British stage and screen’ by BAFTA after she won five of their awards during her illustrious career.
The orginisation tweeted: ‘We’re saddened to hear that actor Dame Maggie Smith, best known for the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey, has died at the age of 89.
‘Dame Maggie was a legend of British stage and screen, winning five BAFTAs as well as a BAFTA Special Award and BAFTA Fellowship during her highly acclaimed career.’
Lucifer star Lesley-Ann Brandt said ‘there will never be another’ while Kelly Brook tweeted ‘our most loved RIP’
Tamzin Outhwaite called Dame Maggie a ‘magnificent Dame’ in her tribute
The X account for Larry the cat, Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office at 10 Downing Street, also paid tribute to the actress’ role in Harry Potter
Dame Maggie is pictured at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships on July 15, 2023
Dame Maggie’s children, Widow Clicquot actor Chris Larkin, and Die Another Day star Toby Stephens, announced her death in a statement.
Born in Ilford, Essex, on December 28, 1934, she was an internationally recognised actress for much of her life after playing the fanatical teacher Jean Brodie in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie.
She also won over Harry Potter fans later in life, when she appeared in the film series as the quick-witted, kind and formidable Professor McGonagall.
And in 2010 she was central to the success of ITV series Downton Abbey, in her Emmy-award winning role as the acerbic Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, which she continued to play in the films.
Larkin and Stephens, her sons from her first marriage, said in their statement: ‘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.’
