Dame Maggie Smith, the iconic actress celebrated for her roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, has passed away at the age of 89, her family has confirmed.
A towering figure in British theatre and film, Smith earned two Academy Awards during her illustrious career — for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1970 and California Suite in 1979. In addition to her Oscar wins, she received four other nominations and secured seven Bafta awards, cementing her place among the greats of the industry.
Paying tribute to the star, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Smith “was beloved by so many for her extraordinary talent, becoming a true national treasure whose work will be cherished for generations to come.”
