Dame Maggie Smith, the iconic British actress, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2024, at the age of 89, exactly one year after her co-star Michael Gambon, who played the Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore.
Known for her sharp wit, immense talent, and commanding presence, she leaves behind a legacy that spans over seven decades on stage and screen. Her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, confirmed her passing, expressing gratitude for the support and care she received in her final days.
Smith’s career was distinguished by versatility, with memorable roles ranging from Shakespearean heroines to modern-day characters like Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films and the Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey. She won two Academy Awards, among numerous other accolades, and continued to captivate audiences well into her later years, making her one of the most beloved actresses of her generation.
Moments after the news of her passing shocked the world, several figures and artists took to social media to pay tribute to the unforgettable Maggie Smith.
#1 Daniel Radcliffe
While the actress shared a strong bond with most members, her relationship with Radcliffe was known to be among the strongest.
The actor once described her as her "fairy grandmother," and attributed much of the good fortune that has come to his life to Smith's belief in him.
"Well she got me the job at Potter, practically, I owe everything to Maggie Smith because I worked with her on David Copperfield and then she came over to Potter as McGonagall and said to the director, 'you need to audition this boy,'" Daniel recounted on a 2011 interview with the Fall Journalism Education Association.
Image credits: Jamie McCarthy/Getty
#2 Dan Stevens
The actor, who got his biggest break when he was cast as Matthew Crawley in Downton Abbey, shared a tribute to his co-star, with pictures of her early career, as well as in-character as Violet Crawley.
“Truly one of the greats. Rest in peace,” he wrote.
Image credits: Steven Simione/Getty
#3 Rob Lowe
The actor, who shared the screen with Smith on the 1993 TV adaptation of the play Suddenly Last Summer, reminisced about his shared moments with the late actress.
“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. Godspeed, Ms. Smith!” he wrote.
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#4 Gyles Brandreth
Broadcaster and former politician was one of the first to pay tribute to the Dame calling her death the “end of a golden era,” and an extraordinary life. He went on to explain how he felt she was the best company due to her wit, wisdom, and compassion.
“One of a kind in every way and consequently irreplaceable,” he wrote.
Image credits: Dave Benett/Getty
#5 Hugh Bonneville
The actor, who acted alongside Maggie Smith in the 2010 series Downton Abbey, paid tribute to the actress in an interview with the BBC.
“Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent,” he stated. “She was a true legend of her generation.
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#6 Piers Morgan
The broadcaster, journalist, writer, and media personality, remembered the actress for her wit, sharpness, and intelligence, lamenting her passing as a huge loss for not only the acting world but for the country of Britain itself.
“Magnificent actress, magnificent lady. As entertaining, sharp and witty off screen as she was off it. A very very sad loss for Britain,” he wrote on X.
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#7 Lisa Nandy
The culture secretary of the UK labeled the actress as “a true British icon of the stage and screen,” and shared her condolences on her social media.
“Rest in peace Dame Maggie Smith, you’ll be forever remembered for a lifetime of commitment to the arts.”
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#8 Alastair Bruce
The commentator for Sky News and ABC, worked with Smith as a contributor to the Downton Abbey series, and reminisced about the short time the two shared, labeling her as “the best of them.”
“What a great privilege it was to work with her & play a small part in her creation of Violet Countess of Grantham,” he said.
“A titan of the filmocracy, Maggie embodied the aristocracy with absolute ease: she made us gasp, shudder and laugh.”
Image credits: WPA Pool/Gett
#9 Omid Djalili
The comedian also paid tribute to her passing by posting beautiful pictures of her career, with one in particular standing out for showing a young Maggie in black and white, back when she was a rising star.
“We’ve lost one of the best today. RIP Maggie Smith,” he stated.
Image credits: Joe Maher/Getty
#10 Keir Starmer
The current prime minister of the UK joined in to share his appreciation for the actress, expressing how she introduced people around the world to new worlds throughout her career.
“She was beloved by so many for her great talent, becoming a true national treasure whose work will be cherished for generations to come,” he stated.
Image credits: Carl Court/Getty
#11 Rishi Sunak
The former prime minister of the UK posted his condolences on social media, shortly after news of her passing were divulged.
“Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dame Maggie Smith - an icon of the stage and screen. She touched many lives across many generations with her incredible performances. Rest in peace,” he wrote on X.
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