British actress Maggie Smith, renowned for her Shakespearean roles and memorable performances in the Harry Potter films, has died at age 89.
Smith’s distinguished career began on stage in the 1950s. She earned two Oscars, four Emmys, and a Tony, marking a rare achievement in acting.
To younger audiences, she was best known as Professor McGonagall in all seven Harry Potter movies and the Dowager Countess in ‘Downton Abbey.’ These roles highlighted her sharp wit and commanding presence.
Her Oscar journey started with a nomination for playing Desdemona in ‘Othello’ opposite Laurence Olivier in 1965. She won her first Oscar for ‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie’ in 1969.
Her second Oscar came in 1978 for a supporting role in ‘California Suite.’ Co-star Michael Caine famously said, “Maggie didn’t just steal the film, she committed grand larceny.”
Smith’s celebrated performances included Lady Bracknell in ‘The Importance of Being Earnest,’ a 92-year-old in Edward Albee’s ‘Three Tall Women,’ and a role in the 2001 black comedy ‘Gosford Park.’
In 1990, Queen Elizabeth knighted her, bestowing the title of Dame.
