British actor Maggie Smith passes away at age 89

Dame Maggie Smith, the British actor known for her role as the poised Professor Mcgonagall in the Harry Potter series, passed away Friday morning.

The BBC confirmed the Oscar-winning actor’s death, quoting her family. Her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin released a statement, saying, “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.

“She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday, 27 September. An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days.

“We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”

According to The Guardian, Smith was born in 1934 and grew up in Oxford. She began acting at the city’s Playhouse theatre as a teenager. In its obituary, the BBC noted that she made her acting debut in 1952 and was still working six decades later, having moved from aspiring star to national treasure.

In 1969, she was cast in the lead role of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie for which she won the best actress Oscar in 1970. Apart from her role in the seven Harry Potter films, Smith was also known for her portrayal of the sassy Dowager in period drama Downtown Abbey.