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Maggie Smith tributes: JK Rowling, Harry Potter and Downton Abbey co-stars pay respect to acting legend

JK Rowling says she thought the Oscar-winner would ‘live forever’, while ‘Downton Abbey’ co-star Hugh Bonneville cals her a ‘true legend’

Alex Croft,Inga Parkel,Kevin E G Perry
Saturday 28 September 2024 13:49 BST
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Maggie Smith: Oscar-winning Harry Potter and Downton Abbey star dies aged 89

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Dame Maggie Smith’s Downton Abbey co-star Hugh Bonneville and Harry Potter co-star Bonnie Wright have led tributes to the iconic actor after she died at the age of 89.

Bonneville, who starred alongside Dame Maggie in the ITV drama, remembered her as a “true legend of her generation” who had “sharp wit and formidable talent”.

Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter film franchise, recalled her favorite scene with Smith being “when we were all learning to dance for the Yule Ball” in the fourth movie, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens announced on Friday the Oscar-winning actress had died in Chelsea and Westminster hospital.

A statement from her children said: “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.”

Co-star Rob Lowe pays tribute to Dame Maggie as ‘lion’

American actor Rob Lowe, who appeared with Dame Maggie Smith in 1993 BBC drama Suddenly, Last Summer, described his late co-star as a “lion”.

In a post on X, he wrote: “Saddened to hear Dame Maggie Smith has passed. I had the unforgettable experience of working with her; sharing a two-shot was like being paired with a lion.

“She could eat anyone alive, and often did. But funny, and great company. And suffered no fools. We will never see another. God speed, Ms Smith!”

Inga Parkel27 September 2024 18:50

Harry Potter star Bonnie Wright shares favorite Maggie Smith scene

Harry Potter star Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in the film franchise, has paid tribute to the“revered head of Gryffindor house” Maggie Smith, in the wake of her death.

“Our dearly loved and revered head of Gryffindor house you will be so missed by the Harry Potter community. My favourite scene with Maggie was when we were all learning to dance for the Yule Ball. She embodied that perfect balance of sass and loving care that McGonagall has. She kept Gryffindors on their toes. My deepest condolences to Maggie’s family at this time,” Wright, 33, wrote on Instagram.

Inga Parkel27 September 2024 18:40

Maggie Smith ‘turns’ on Judi Dench in resurfaced clip

A memorable moment from the 2018 documentary Tea With the Dames is circulating on X following the death of Maggie Smith.

In the scene, Smith is seen speaking to fellow dame and actor Judi Dench.

“We’re gonna work forever if we’re asked,” Dench says, to which Smith responds: “But you’re always asked first, if I may say so.”

“Don’t turn on me!” Dench replies, with Smith joking: “I’m turning on you. It’s all coming out now.”

Inga Parkel27 September 2024 18:30

King Charles and Queen Camilla are ‘deeply saddened’ by the death of ‘national treasure’ Maggie Smith

King Charles has shared a message of condolence following the passing of Maggie Smith.

“My wife and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dame Maggie Smith. As the curtain comes down on a national treasure, we join all those around the world in remembering with the fondest admiration and affection her many great performances and her warmth and wit that shone through both on and off the stage,” he said in a statement.

Inga Parkel27 September 2024 18:20

Downton Abbey thanks ‘British icon' Maggie Smith for ‘everything’

The official Downton Abbey X account has shared a tribute to star Maggie Smith.

Inga Parkel27 September 2024 18:10

Maggie Smith fans remember actor’s ‘early years’ before Harry Potter and Downton Abbey

One Maggie Smith fan has shared an old clip from the actor’s 1975 appearance on The Carol Burnett Show.

“Everyone will be talking about Harry Potter and Downton, but early years Maggie Smith was so so good,” they praised.

Inga Parkel27 September 2024 18:00

Whoopi Goldberg shares Sister Act throwback in tribute to co-star Maggie Smith: ‘One of a kind’

Whoopi Goldberg has paid tribute to her Sister Act co-star Dame Maggie Smith following her death at the age of 89.

Smith played Reverend Mother Superior in the hit 1992 comedy that starred Goldberg as a lounge singer who goes into witness protection in a convent.

On Instagram, Goldberg wrote: “Maggie Smith was a great woman and a brilliant actress. I still can’t believe I was lucky enough to work with the ‘one-of-a-kind’.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to the family... RIP.”

Read more:

(Touchstone/Kobal/Shutterstock)

Goldberg remembered the late actor as ‘a great woman and a brilliant actress’

Inga Parkel27 September 2024 17:50

The View hosts pause show to pay tribute to ‘brilliant’ Maggie Smith

Whoopi Goldberg’s fellow The View co-hosts stepped in to pay tribute to her former Sister Act co-star Maggie Smith on the latest episode of the daytime talk show.

Read more:

Maggie Smith and Joy Behar
Maggie Smith and Joy Behar (Getty Images)

Smith starred alongside ‘The View’ co-host Whoopi Goldberg in the Sister Act film series

Inga Parkel27 September 2024 17:40

Rupert Grint’s Instagram profile picture takes on new meaning after Maggie Smith death

Since he first opened his Instagram account, Harry Potter star Rupert Grint’s profile picture has been a precious photo of Maggie Smith planting a kiss on his cheek.

(Rupert Grint on Instagram)
Inga Parkel27 September 2024 17:30

Harry Potter fans share favorite Professor McGonagall scenes

Inga Parkel27 September 2024 17:20

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