Jennifer Garner paid tribute to her former co-star, Maggie Smith, who died on Friday at age 89.
On Saturday, the Alias star, 52, uploaded a heartfelt tribute in honor of the late Oscar-winning actress, whom she met on the set of the 1997 film Washington Square.
“Maggie Smith and I worked together almost thirty years ago on my first film, Washington Square,” the mother of three recalled. ‘Maggie was the best introduction to the film industry, can you imagine? She was generous, kind and so much fun!’
Garner continued, “I took Maggie to HER first baseball game, where we had a beer and cheered on the home team.”
“The photographs of that day were lost for years, but I treasure the memory,” he concluded. “Rest in peace, Mrs. Maggie.”
Jennifer Garner paid tribute to her former co-star, Maggie Smith, who died on Friday at age 89; seen on September 24, 2024
Smith was an acclaimed actress, whose accolades included two Academy Awards for Best Actress for her performance in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and Best Supporting Actress for California Suite (1978), as well as five BAFTAs and three Globes. Gold. and a Tony Award for Lettice And Lovage (1990).
Many younger fans know Smith for her iconic role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in all six Harry Potter films (2002-2011), as well as the role of Violet Crawley in the British television series Downton Abbey (2019) and Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022).
The native of Ilford, Essex, England, made her professional television debut in an episode of BBC Sunday-Night Theater (1955), which was followed by her film debut in the drama Child In The House (1956).
Some of his most popular films over the years included Death On The Nile (1978), Clash of the Titans (1981), Room with a View (1985), Romeo.Juliet (1990), Hook (1991), Sister Act (1992), Sister Act 2: Back to Custom (1993), The First Wives Club (1996), Tea with Mussolini (1999).
Smith’s last film role was in the drama The Miracle Club (2023), in which he starred with Laura Linney, Kathy Bates and Stephen Rea.
It had its premiere in June of last year at the Tribeca Festival in New York City.
Smith’s two children confirmed their mother’s death through publicist Clair Dobbs in the early hours of Friday morning.
“It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith,” their statement read.
On Saturday, the Alias star, 52, uploaded a heartfelt tribute in honor of the late Oscar winner, with whom he previously worked on the 1997 film Washington Square.
“Maggie Smith and I worked together almost thirty years ago on my first film, Washington Square,” the mother of three recalled. ‘Maggie was the best introduction to the film industry, can you imagine? She was generous, kind and so much fun!’ (seen in the 1997 film Washington Square)
“He passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday, September 27,” they continued. ‘An intensely private person, he was ultimately with friends and family. He leaves two children and five beloved grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.’
The statement ended with Stephens and Larkin thanking the ‘wonderful staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital’ for the care they gave him in his final days, as well as fans for their messages of support.
Stars across the pond in the United States have been sharing tributes to the iconic artist.
‘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,” wrote Rob Lowe through X, referring to his film Suddenly Last Summer (1993).
He continued: ‘She 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!
Smith was an acclaimed actress, whose accolades included two Academy Awards for Best Actress for her performance in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and Best Supporting Actress for California Suite (1978); photographed in 2012
Sandra Bullock, who had the pleasure of not only working with Smith on the comedy-drama film Divine Secrets Of The Ya-Ya Sisterhood (2002), but also the honor of calling her a friend, was among the stars who paid tribute to The Legacy of the star.
“How lucky I am to have sat in quiet corners with Maggie and a glass of wine,” Bullock, 60, said. PEOPLE just hours after Smith’s sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, confirmed his death.
“His stories, his wicked sense of humor and his kind advice are things that have made my life sweeter,” Bullock added.
Maren Morris revealed that she has always loved Smith in roles such as The Secret Garden, Hook, Sister Act, Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.
‘My childhood. Rest easy, Maggie Smith,” he concluded his tribute.
Viola Davis praised Smith for “defying age expectations” in a moving tribute.
Many younger fans know Smith for her iconic role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in all six Harry Potter films (2002-2011), as well as the role of Violet Crawley in the British television series Downton Abbey (2019) and Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022); Smith seen in 1969
‘The end of an era of pure definition of what it means to be an actor. “You created characters that clung to us, moved us, entertained us… made us look inward,” added the actress. “You were greatness personified Dame Maggie Smith.”
Smith’s Sister Act co-star Whoopi Goldberg gushed about working with the late actress twice in her life.
“Maggie Smith was a great woman and a brilliant actress,” Goldberg shared on Instagram, sharing a photo of the couple in their nun costumes.
‘I still can’t believe I was lucky enough to work with someone one of a kind. My deepest condolences to the family… RIP.’
Smith is survived by his two sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, and his five grandchildren.
