Maggie Smith Dead at 89: Downton Abbey Costars and More Pay Tribute

Maggie Smith Dead at 89: Downton Abbey Costars and More Pay Tribute

As a lifelong fan of cinema and theater, I have been deeply saddened by the loss of Dame Maggie Smith. Her performances were nothing short of extraordinary, and she will be dearly missed by millions of fans around the world.


Stars are mourning the loss of one of Hollywood’s most beloved legends. 

Actress Maggie Smith, who won two Oscars and became famous for her roles as Violet Crawley in ‘Downton Abbey‘ and Professor McGonagall in the ‘Harry Potter’ series, passed away on September 27, according to a statement from her family to TopMob News. She was 89 years old.

With deep regret, we must share the news of Dame Maggie Smith’s passing. Her sons, Chris Larkin, age 57, and Toby Stephens, 55, confirmed this heartbreaking news in a statement. She peacefully left us at a hospital early on Friday, September 27th. Being deeply private, she was surrounded by friends and family in her final moments.

Beyond her family, Maggie has left an unrivaled impact. Spanning over 70 years of work, she garnered a Best Actress Oscar for “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” in 1970 and a Best Supporting Actress nod almost a decade later for “California Suite.” Throughout her career, she graced some of the most memorable films of her era, such as “Hook,” “Gosford Park,” and “Sister Act.

After her passing, Whoopi Goldberg reminisced about their shared experiences working on the final installment of the series.

Whoopi expressed on her September 27 Instagram post that Maggie Smith was an exceptional woman and a talented actress whom she had the privilege of working with. She finds it hard to believe her luck, referring to Smith as ‘unique in kind.’ Her heartfelt sympathies are extended to the family. Rest in peace.

Simultaneously, Rob Lowe (from the movie “Suddenly, Last Summer”) couldn’t stop praising how Maggie commanded the spotlight with her performance.

Rob expressed his sadness after learning that Dame Maggie Smith has passed away on platform X (previously known as Twitter). He had the privilege of working alongside her, which he likened to partnering with a lion. She was fierce and could easily overpower others, yet she also had a wicked sense of humor and made for excellent company. She didn’t tolerate foolishness, and her unique presence will be sorely missed. It’s unlikely we’ll see another like her again. Farewell, Ms. Smith! May you rest in peace.

Beyond just the acting world, Maggie’s influential legacy reached numerous individuals as well. Notably, this 89-year-old actress, who had an illustrious career that extended to stage productions like Macbeth, Othello, and Richard III, was bestowed with the title of Dame by the late Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of her significant contributions to the arts.

Maggie Smith Dead at 89: Downton Abbey Costars and More Pay Tribute

2014 saw me bestowed with a remarkable honor when Her Majesty, the late queen, chose to include me among the select group of members in the Order of the Companions of Honour. This prestigious award is extended only to 65 distinguished individuals who are still alive at any given time, and my fellow recipients during that period included the renowned physicist, Stephen Hawking, who sadly passed away in 2018, as well as the esteemed actor, Ian McKellen.

Not just the late queen, but even Keir Starmer, the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, was moved by Maggie’s artistic talent and expressed remembrance for the actress as well.

“Dame Maggie Smith introduced us to new worlds with the countless stories she acted over her long career,” he wrote in a post shared to X, formerly Twitter Sept. 27. “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.”

Keep reading to see every star’s tribute to Maggie.

Maggie Smith Dead at 89: Downton Abbey Costars and More Pay Tribute

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Michelle shared, “There simply wasn’t anyone quite like Maggie.” Her words echoed the profound impact Maggie had on her life. “I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have known such a trailblazer. She will be greatly missed, and my sympathies go out to her loved ones during this difficult time.

Maggie Smith Dead at 89: Downton Abbey Costars and More Pay Tribute

Rob, who worked alongside the late Dame Maggie Smith in the 90s, expressed his sorrow in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He recalled that working with her was an extraordinary experience, as collaborating with her was like being matched with a lion. She had the ability to outshine anyone and often did, yet she was also witty and enjoyable to be around. She didn’t tolerate foolishness. Her unique talent will be sorely missed. Farewell, Ms. Smith! May you rest in peace.

Maggie Smith Dead at 89: Downton Abbey Costars and More Pay Tribute

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Whoopi Goldberg expressed that Maggie Smith was not only an exceptional woman but also a remarkable actress. She finds it hard to believe she had the privilege of working with such a unique talent. Her sympathies are extended to the family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Maggie Smith.

Maggie Smith Dead at 89: Downton Abbey Costars and More Pay Tribute

Any individual who worked with Maggie can vouch for her keen observation, quick-wittedness, and exceptional skill,” Bonneville, who acted alongside Maggie in Downton Abbey, expressed in a statement to TopMob News. “She was an icon of her era, and it’s a blessing that her outstanding screen performances will continue to be remembered. My sympathies are extended to her sons and the entire family.

Maggie Smith Dead at 89: Downton Abbey Costars and More Pay Tribute

The producer of Downton Abbey expressed his sentiments in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, stating that Maggie Smith was an exceptional actress whose final performance in her illustrious career we were exceptionally blessed to be a part of. He described her as delightful to write for, possessing a subtle yet complex range, intelligence, wit, and the ability to elicit both laughter and tears. Collaborating with her has been the pinnacle of his professional life, an honor he will forever cherish.

Maggie Smith Dead at 89: Downton Abbey Costars and More Pay Tribute

On occasion X (previously known as Twitter), the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom paid tribute to the late actress, expressing that she was adored by countless individuals due to her remarkable abilities. Her contributions solidified her status as a national treasure, and her work will continue to be valued for years to come.

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2024-09-27 19:52