What did Maggie Smith, the remembered McGonagall from Harry Potter, die of?
This Friday, Harry Potter and Downton Abbey fans woke up to the saddest news. Actress Maggie Smith, a film icon and the interpreter of memorable characters that the public will remember forever, died at the age of 89. The information was confirmed by her two sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin through a statement. Although it is very recent, some details about how her death occurred are already beginning to emerge.
In a statement later shared by The Guardian with “great sadness,” the actress’s children confirmed her death. They said that she “passed away peacefully in hospital” early on Friday morning, September 27. “She was a very private person and was ultimately with friends and family,” they said. “She leaves behind two children and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
They also extended their thanks to the “wonderful staff” at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital “for their care and generous 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,” they said.
Margaret Natalie Smith passed away on Friday, September 27, in London at the age of 89. She began working in film, television and theatre in the 1950s and never stopped. Among her most notable roles was that of Jean Brodie in The Prime of Miss Brodie, which earned her her first Oscar. She won her second Oscar in 1969 for Best Supporting Actress for California Suite.
In 2010, she joined the hit series Downton Abbey as Violet Crawley, a character that earned her an Emmy. She acted in all six seasons – which are available on Netflix – as well as in the two films that emerged from the series: Downton Abbey (2019) and Downton Abbey: A New Age (2022), a film that marked the end of her participation in the story.
But, without a doubt, her most iconic work was the one she did in the eight Harry Potter films. She was Professor Minerva McGonagall, the head of Gryffindor, the house of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger and Albus Dumbledore’s right-hand woman. She was the one who defended Hogwarts at all times and had a key role in the final battle.
Maggie Smith’s farewell on social media
After news of the actress’ death became public, her fans said goodbye to her with heartfelt messages on social media. “ Wands up for the best Hogwarts teacher. Farewell, Maggie Smith,” commented one Harry Potter fan account on X, while others added: “Rest in peace Maggie Smith, you will always be loved” and “Today Maggie Smith passed away, whom many of us will forever remember as the incomparable Minerva McGonagall. We will never forget you.”
Hoy ha fallecido Maggie Smith, a la que muchos recordaremos por siempre como la incomparable Minerva Mcgonagall. Nunca te olvidaremos.pic.twitter.com/aWtITyC55A
— Imladris (@__Imladris__) September 27, 2024
Fans left hundreds of messages on X recalling the British artist’s best works and describing her as a “legend” and “one of the undisputed greats of her time.”
On the other hand, the official Instagram account of Highclere Castle, the palace located in Hampshire, England that was used as a facade for Downton Abbey, shared a touching post to say goodbye to the beloved Violet. “ Maggie Smith, a national treasure. All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts,” they wrote, along with several photos of the actress.