Maggie Smith, the British actress whose career spanned seven decades and who is known for her roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey has passed away Friday at age 89.
She played the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series, who was the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Head of Gryffindor House, and the teacher of Transfiguration. She was known in the school as a strict (but reasonably fair) teacher who demanded loyalty from her students at Hogwarts.
It was a role so iconic that she was made a Dame and a member of the Order of the Companions of Honor. Before that, she was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. She was in every single Harry Potter movie except one, making her one of the most recognizable characters in the entire series.
While she was busy casting spells, she also had a major role on the hit television show Downton Abbey, where she spent six seasons acting the role of Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Granthan.
Violet was “sharp wit” personified, and provides much of the comic relief in the series by delivering timely one-liners and clever dialogue. She is an understanding and compassionate role, often helping family members through various crises. In short, it was a role perfect for Maggie Smith.
She was short — barely five foot five — but casting directors were enamored by her almost immediately as they realized her qualities would translate well to the big screen. She starred in more than fifty films and is often considered one of the most iconic British actresses of all time.
She won two Academy Awards, five BAFTA Awards, four Emmys, three Golden Globes, five Screen Actors Guild awards, and a Tony award.
According to her publicist, Maggie Smith “passed away peacefully” in her home, surrounded by family members.
