Maggie Smith – a legendary actress who worked professionally for more than 70 years – has died… according to a statement from her family.
Your children, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkinreleased a statement … saying that Smith passed away peacefully at the hospital on Friday morning. They did not provide the cause of death.
Smith’s family thanked the staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and support during their mother’s final days… and asked for privacy during this difficult time.
Maggie began as a professional actress in the early 1950s… beginning her career with numerous performances in some of England’s biggest venues.
She transitioned to acting in films… receiving much praise for her role as ” Desdemona ” on stage and also playing her on screen opposite Laurence Olivier. She received her first Oscar nomination – although she would not win her first Oscar for “Miss Jean Brodie’s First” four years later.
Maggie has played several iconic roles over the years… most notably Professor Minerva McGonagall in the ‘Harry Potter’ film and Violet Crawley in the ‘Downton Abbey’ series.
She was 89 years old.
TO TEAR APART