Legendary star Maggie Smith known for her roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey dies aged 89

Maggie Smith, known for her wide range of acting roles including Harry Potter, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, and Downton Abbey, has died aged 89.

Her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens confirmed the news in a statement saying “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,” they said.

“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.”

The multi-award winning actor made her acting debut in 1952 and worked for six decades over a wide-range of films, shows, and plays.

The English actor was born on December 28, 1934 in Oxford and began acting at the City’s Playhouse theatre as a teenager.

She shot into international fame in 1969 when she played teacher Jean Brodie in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, which won her an Oscar for best actress.

She won another Oscar in 1979 for her role in California Suite.

However, it was her role as Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series, which made her famous among younger audiences

She was, reportedly, the only performer the author JK Rowling specifically asked for.

Smith was also known for playing the countess of Grantham on the huge TV hit Downton Abbey and the two subsequent movies.