Dame Maggie Smith, the iconic British actress, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2024, at the age of 89, exactly one year after her co-star Michael Gambon, who played the Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore.
Known for her sharp wit, immense talent, and commanding presence, she leaves behind a legacy that spans over seven decades on stage and screen. Her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, confirmed her passing, expressing gratitude for the support and care she received in her final days.
Smith’s career was distinguished by versatility, with memorable roles ranging from Shakespearean heroines to modern-day characters like Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films and the Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey. She won two Academy Awards, among numerous other accolades, and continued to captivate audiences well into her later years, making her one of the most beloved actresses of her generation.
Moments after the news of her passing shocked the world, several figures and artists took to social media to pay tribute to the unforgettable Maggie Smith.
#1 Daniel Radcliffe
While the actress shared a strong bond with most members, her relationship with Radcliffe was known to be among the strongest.
The actor once described her as her "fairy grandmother," and attributed much of the good fortune that has come to his life to Smith's belief in him.
"Well she got me the job at Potter, practically, I owe everything to Maggie Smith because I worked with her on David Copperfield and then she came over to Potter as McGonagall and said to the director, 'you need to audition this boy,'" Daniel recounted on a 2011 interview with the Fall Journalism Education Association.
