Maggie Smith

Maggie Smith was a renowned English actress whose career began in the 1950s.

After a series of small TV roles, Smith went on to star in films like The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969), Murder by Death (1976) and California Suite (1978) established her as a versatile actress. She also starred in various TV series, including David Copperfield (1999) and Downton Abbey (2010-2015).

Smith was known for her work in films like Hook (1991), Sister Act (19920, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011) and The Lady in the Van (2015). She also famously starred as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film franchise from 2001 to 2011. Her performances earned her numerous accolades, including multiple Academy Awards, Golden Globes and BAFTAs, as well as a Tony Award.

The actress shared two children — sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin — with her ex-husband Robert Stephens, to whom she was married from 1967 to 1975. She went on to wed Beverley Cross in 1975 before ending their marriage in 1998.

Smith’s children confirmed in September 2024 that she had died at age 89.