Dame Maggie Smith latest: Keir Starmer leads tributes to ‘national treasure’ following death of Harry Potter and Downton Abbey star aged 89

Dame Maggie Smith smiled for the camera in a fashion campaign for Loewe in what would end up being her last photo.

The beloved actress died at age 89 on Friday with her sons Chris Larkin and Die Another Day star Toby Stephens, announcing her death in a statement.

In October 2023, Maggie was named the new face of luxury Spanish fashion house Loewe.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer sent his condolences to Dame Maggie’s family and paid tribute to the actress as a “true national treasure” who will be “cherished for generations to come”.

Here is his tweet posted on X.

Dame Maggie’s Downton Abbey co-star Hugh Bonneville has paid tribute to the actress as a “true legend of her generation” whose “magnificent” performances will live long in the memory.

Speaking to the BBC, Bonneville said: “Anyone who has ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her keen eyesight, sharp wit and formidable talent.”

Dame Maggie Smith didn’t hold back when it came time to talk about her role in popular TV drama Downtown Abbey.

The 89-year-old actress, who died today, admitted in 2015 that she had never seen a single episode of the show.

However, he finally managed to do it after having a little more free time.

Let’s take a look at some photographs from Dame Maggie’s illustrious career, which began on stage as a teenager in the 1950s until 2023.

Dame Maggie Smith rehearsing for Peter Pan with Dave Allen in 1973

Taken in 1997 at the Evening Standards Drama Awards.

Ralph Fiennes awarded her the Bafta Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2000 for her role in the film Tea With Mussolini.

Dame Maggie arrives at the premiere of Gosford Park in New York in 2001

Dame Maggie posed for photographs 12 days before her 87th birthday in December 2015.

Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak posted his condolences on social media and described Dame Maggie as an “icon” of stage and screen.

Gyles Brandreth was one of the first to pay tribute to Dame Maggie, describing her as “unique in every way” following her death with a post on X.

The saddest news: Dame Maggie Smith’s death marks the end of a golden age and quite an extraordinary life.

She was truly a great actress, “one of the greats” and simply the best company: wise, witty, biting, wonderful. Unique in every way and, therefore, irreplaceable.

Born in Ilford, Essex, on December 28, 1934, Dame Maggie was an internationally recognized actress for much of her life after playing fanatical teacher Jean Brodie in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie.

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.

She was nominated six times for Academy Awards, twice for leading role and four for supporting role, and won twice for her portrayals of Jean Brodie and Diana Barrie in the 1978 film California Suite.

Dame Maggie Smith at the Oscars

• 42nd Academy Awards: Best Actress in a Leading Role, win, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)
• 51st Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actress, award, California Suite (1978)

• 45th Academy Awards: Best Leading Actress, nomination, Traveling with My Aunt (1972)
• 38th Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actress, nominated, for Othello (1965)
• 59th Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actress, nominated, for A Room with a View (1986)
• 74th Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actress, nomination, for Gosford Park (2001)

Dame Maggie Smith died in hospital, her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens said.

In a statement issued through their publicist, they said:

It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of Dame Maggie Smith.

Passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September.

An intensely private person, he was eventually 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 unconditional 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.

Oscar-winning actress Dame Maggie Smith died in hospital this morning aged 89, her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens have revealed.

In a statement issued through their publicist, they said: “It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.

‘Passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September.

Hello and welcome to MailOnline’s live coverage following the death of Dame Maggie Smith aged 89.

The Harry Potter and Downton Abbey star passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today surrounded by her family.

The two-time Academy Award winner was one of Britain’s most illustrious actresses with a career on stage and screen spanning seven decades.

Follow our coverage as we bring you the latest tributes to Dame Maggie.