The esteemed British actress Maggie Smith, renowned for her remarkable roles in film, theater, and television, has passed away at the age of 88.
Her sons, Chris Ruckin and Toby Stephens, announced the sad news, revealing that their mother “died peacefully in the hospital,” surrounded by her close friends and family.
Smith gained worldwide fame for her portrayal of the widowed Countess Violet Crawley in the beloved series “Downton Abbey” and its subsequent films, captivating audiences with her sharp yet endearing character.
Her artistic career spanned decades and included a diverse array of roles, from the Mother Superior in “Sister Act” to Professor McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” film series.
Throughout her illustrious career, Smith garnered two Academy Awards, six BAFTA Awards, and four Emmy Awards, among 108 nominations.
She was honored with the Order of the British Empire in 1990 and named a Companion of Honour in 2014 for her services to the arts.
Smith was married twice and was a mother to two sons, both of whom are also actors, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy and deep affection from her family and fans worldwide.
source : fesnews media