S Poddar
Legendary Oscar-winning Dame Maggie Smith dies at 89 as tributes pour in from her co-stars, fans, and admirers all over the world. In a cinematic farewell, Maggie Smith was leaving an indelible mark on the Harry Potter series and Downton Abbey, creating a lasting impression that the screen will remember for decades to come.
One of the first to pay tributes was JK Rowling of the Harry Potter series of books. Rowling was visibly shocked and weeping, and she asserted that the revered actress “will live forever.” Praising Maggie’s exceptional talent and the indelible mark she left on the world of cinema and theatre, she wrote:
Hugh Bonneville, one of the co-stars to the much ado about popular ITV series Downton Abbey, said she was a “true legend of her generation.” He remembered her quick wit and formidable talent, always standing out in whatever role she had portrayed. Another Harry Potter actress, Bonnie Wright, who has played Ginny Weasley in the series, had some good words for Smith with acknowledgment of that particular time when they did a dancing scene for the Yule Ball in the movie Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. According to Wright, Smith’s warmth and grace helped to make even the most intimidating moments on set memorable.
The two sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, in a statement Friday confirmed that Maggie passed away. The family confirmed she died quietly at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, surrounded by loved ones. They thank the hospital staff for their care during those final days. The statement also called for privacy during this difficult time when they are in the process of mourning the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother. In addition to her sons, Smith leaves behind five grandchildren who are said to be devastated by her passing.
King Charles III also condoled Smith, said to be a great contributor to the culture of Britain. He called her “a national treasure whose warmth and wit came through both on and off stage. In his statement, he recalled the meeting they made at the Pride of Britain Awards in 2016. He recalled how they met there as the humour and charm of Smith left an indelible mark.
Social media was filled with countless memories and tributes: not just fans but colleagues who remembered and mourned her passing. For example, the official Downton Abbey account posted a picture of Dame Maggie Smith in her role as the Dowager Countess, Violet Crawley. Captioned simply “A true British icon. Thank you for everything, Dame Maggie Smith,” this was reflected by millions on anything she performed over 60 years of film and theater across genres, eras, and generations.
Her role of the prominent Professor Minerva McGonagall in the films of the Harry Potter series made her a synonym with young audiences, and even the actors of the film shared their warm reminiscences about her. Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, recalls, “She had that gloriously sharp tongue,” and even as a young actor then, he felt privileged to work with someone like her. He further said that she was very humorous and gave some direction on set, and people noticed her to be humble by everyone working with her. As matured, Emma Watson confessed that she incredibly learnt to like those feats Smith accomplished as she played the role of Hermione Granger. Then, speaking on social media, Watson described the actress as the “true definition of greatness” in how the strength and wit of the actress had truly impressed her both as a co-star and also as an individual.
But perhaps the most poignant tribute came from a Sister Act co-star, Whoopi Goldberg, who shared how Maggie helped her get through a “very difficult time” when she lost her mother, and how she could not imagine doing another Sister Act without Smith in the role of the stern but lovable Mother Superior.
More tributes followed for fans of all walks of life, including former world heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno, who shared a funny memory of meeting Smith. He remembered toasting with her over drinks and joking together about her tough on-screen persona. Sharp retort, then Smith’s laughter, showed the perfect balance between her strong, commanding screen presence and warm, friendly personality off it.
Smith’s career spanned over six decades with classics like The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, also to be remembered for the plays in which she was part of the stage production of Shakespeare’s Othello and many more. To most, though, she will be remembered as Professor McGonagall or the Dowager Countess in roles that showcased how commanding she could be on the screen and how effortlessly she could deliver lines with unmatched wit and emotion.
A symbolic way of paying tribute was done by fans of Harry Potter, who hoisted up their wands in respect to Smith like in the sad scene in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince where students of that school pay respects to the late Professor Dumbledore.
It was not possible for the world to cry over the loss of Dame Maggie Smith’s life, but her legacy will forever shine bright through her unforgettable performances and the limitless lives she touched, both behind and in front of the screen. It will live through the myriad tellings of stories delivered with humor, grace, and humanity as we go on in everything we do.
