Harry Potter star Dame Maggie Smith dies aged 89 as family issues tribute

Ryan Paton

27 September 2024 at 9:40 am·1-min read

Dame Maggie Smith has died aged 89 — -Credit: (Image: PA)

Dame Maggie Smith's family has paid tribute after the legendary actor died aged 89. The star enjoyed a legendary career and is renowned for her roles as Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise and Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey.

Dame Maggie's sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, issued a statement via their publicist to announce the sad news of their mum's death. The statement said: "It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.

"She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September. An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end.

"She leaves two sons and five loving 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 the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting 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.”

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