Dame Maggie Smith “peacefully” passed at the age of 89 on Friday (September 27). She was notable for playing Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter movie series and Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, in Downton Abbey.
The actress’ sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, released a statement that read: “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.