By: Katie Borders

Culture Editor

Renowned British actor Maggie Smith passed away peacefully on Sept. 27, surrounded by friends and family at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London. Numerous co-stars who worked with Smith in their careers came out to commend and pay tribute to the late public figure, expressing their sorrow, love, and respect for Smith.

Born Dec. 28, 1934, in Ilford, United Kingdom, Smith pursued her passion for the theatre in her later adolescent years, working her way through productions like Cinderella and Twelfth Night through the Oxford Playhouse, eventually transitioning from her Broadway debut to acting in the film business. In 1962, Smith won her first Best Actress Evening Standard award for her major roles in the production The Private Ear and The Public Eye. 

In 1956, Smith transitioned to the film industry, a pivotal moment in her career.  Rising throughout her life to prominence and recognition in the film industry, Smith received numerous awards to distinguish herself. Winner of two Academy Awards, five BAFTAs, three Golden Globes, four Primetime Emmy Awards (three of which were for her remarkable role in the hit Downton Abbey show), five Screen Actors Guild Awards, a Tony Award, and four Oscar nominations for her roles in four distinguished films, Smith was an exceptionally dedicated and talented presence in the film industry.

Smith reached international fame for her ten-year stint as the iconic Professor McGonagall in the blockbuster Harry Potter movie franchise, beginning with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in 2001 and ending with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II in 2011. Based on the widely popular and best-selling Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, the Harry Potter franchise has pulled in an astounding 9.58 billion dollars through worldwide box offices, ranking Harry Potter as one of the highest-grossing franchises in film history. Many fans agree that Smith’s remarkable and lively representation of the beloved book character brought McGonagall to life as one of the most memorable and beloved side characters in Harry Potter.

Among the many who have come forward to pay tribute in honor of Smith are King Charles III, Keir Starmer, the prime minister of England, and her fellow actors. Commending Smith’s career and unforgettable personality, King Charles described her as a “national treasure” while Daniel Radcliffe, a co-star of hers from the Harry Potter franchise, recalled her “fierce intellect” and “sharp tongue.”

Smith touched the hearts of many and will be remembered for her extraordinary career and impact on the film industry. Known for her wit and charm, Smith once said, “It’s true I don’t tolerate fools, but then they don’t tolerate me, so I am spiky. Maybe that’s why I’m quite good at playing spiky elderly ladies.”

(Sources: BBC, IMBd, Statistica, Wikipedia)