Maggie Smith, the acclaimed actor renowned for her ability to command the screen, passed away Friday at the age of 89. Smith earned an Academy Award for her performance in ‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie’ in 1969, and later captivated audiences in her roles as the Dowager Countess of Grantham in ‘Downton Abbey’ and Professor Minerva McGonagall in the ‘Harry Potter’ series.

Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, shared in a statement that she passed away early Friday in a London hospital. “She leaves behind two sons and five adoring grandchildren, all heartbroken over the loss of their remarkable mother and grandmother,” the statement, issued by publicist Clair Dobbs, read.

Frequently considered the finest British actress of her era, alongside contemporaries like Vanessa Redgrave and Judi Dench, Smith’s talents were widely celebrated. Her portrayal in ‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie’ not only won her the Academy Award for Best Actress but also a BAFTA in 1969. She later received a second Oscar as Best Supporting Actress for “California Suite” in 1978.

Her sons, actors Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, announced the passing of Dame Maggie Smith earlier today in a statement. They shared, “With deep sorrow, we must confirm the death of our mother, Dame Maggie Smith, who passed away peacefully in the hospital early this morning, Friday, September 27th. A private individual by nature, she was surrounded by close family and friends in her final moments. She leaves behind two sons and five grandchildren, all heartbroken by the loss of such an exceptional mother and grandmother.”

The family expressed gratitude towards the staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, acknowledging their care and kindness during her final days. They also requested privacy during this difficult time.

Born in Ilford, Essex, on December 28, 1934, Maggie Smith became internationally renowned, initially gaining fame for her portrayal of the passionate teacher Jean Brodie in *The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie*. Later, she won the hearts of a new generation as Professor McGonagall in the *Harry Potter* film series. In 2010, she further cemented her legacy with her role as the sharp-tongued Dowager Countess Violet Crawley in *Downton Abbey*, which earned her widespread acclaim, including Emmy Awards.

Among the first to honor her memory was her close friend Gyles Brandreth, who remarked, “This is the saddest news: Dame Maggie Smith’s passing signifies the end of a golden era and an extraordinary life. She was one of the greatest actresses of all time, an irreplaceable figure—wise, witty, sharp, and simply wonderful.”