Maggie Smith has been described as “wise, witty, biting and wonderful” in tributes following her death on Friday.
Celebrities have taken to social media to share their memories of the Oscar-winning actress who died in hospital on Friday morning at age 89, her children revealed in a statement.
The British star was known for notable roles as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise and as Violet Crawley in the television series Downton Abbey, as well as her Academy Award-winning performance in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie.
Paying tribute to his former co-star, Harry Potter’s Rupert Grint updated his Instagram profile photo with a sweet memory of the couple.
Gyles Brandreth was also quick to pay tribute, calling the late actress “unique in every way.”
Dame Maggie Smith has been hailed as “wise, witty, biting and wonderful” as celebrities pay tribute to her after her death (pictured in 2015)
To pay tribute to his former co-star, Harry Potter’s Rupert Grint updated his Instagram profile photo with a sweet memory of the couple.
Brandreth shared a photo of himself with Smith on
“She was a truly great actress, ‘one of the greats’ and simply the best company: wise, witty, biting, wonderful.”
“Unique in every way and, therefore, irreplaceable.”
Rob Lowe, who worked with Dame Maggie in Suddenly Last Summer in 1992, reflected on their time together.
He wrote: “I am saddened to hear that Dame Maggie Smith has passed away. I had the unforgettable experience of working with her; Sharing two shots was like being paired with a lion.
He could eat anyone alive and did so often. But fun and great company. And he suffered no fools. We will never see another. God bless you, Mrs. Smith!
Star Trek legend George Takei tweeted: “A great star of screen and stage has departed.”
“Maggie Smith, known most recently for her unforgettable roles as the Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey and as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films, has passed away at the age of 89. She will be greatly missed by fans both young and old.”
Omid Djalili tweeted: “Today we lost one of the best. RIP Maggie Smith.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote: “Dame Maggie Smith introduced us to new worlds with the countless stories she performed throughout her long career.
‘Many people loved her for her great talent, becoming a true national treasure whose work will be appreciated for generations to come. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace.’
Dame Maggie’s children, Widow Clicquot actor Chris Larkin and Die Another Day star Toby Stephens, announced her death in a statement.
Born in Ilford, Essex, on December 28, 1934, she was an internationally recognized actress for much of her life after playing fanatic teacher Jean Brodie in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie.
Gyles Brandreth shared a photo of himself with Smith on X, formerly Twitter, and wrote: “The saddest news: the death of Dame Maggie Smith marks the end of a golden era.”
Omid Djalili tweeted: “Today we lost one of the best.” RIP Maggie Smith
She also won over Harry Potter fans later in life, when she appeared in the film series as the witty, kind and formidable Professor McGonagall.
And in 2010 she was instrumental in the success of the ITV series Downton Abbey, in her Emmy Award-winning role as the acerbic Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, which she continued to play in films.
Larkin and Stephens, her children from her first marriage, said in their statement: “It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27 September.
“He is an intensely private person, in the end he was with friends and family. She leaves behind two children and five beloved 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 Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their endless care and kindness during his final days.
“We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”