Dame Maggie Smith, the renowned British actress, has passed away at the age of 89, her family confirmed. With a storied career spanning over six decades, Smith left an indelible mark on film, television, and theater. Her iconic roles as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series and the Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey brought her global recognition.

Smith’s impressive repertoire included Oscar-winning performances in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and California Suite. She also excelled in non-comedic dramatic roles, working alongside Laurence Olivier and Ingmar Bergman. Born in 1934, Smith began acting at Oxford’s Playhouse theatre as a teenager and joined the National Theatre company in 1962. Her talent for acid-tongued comedy and dramatic depth earned her numerous awards, including two Oscars and eight Baftas.

Tributes poured in from colleagues and friends, including Michael Caine, Whoopi Goldberg, and Hugh Bonneville. Julian Fellowes, creator of Downton Abbey, described Smith as “a joy to write for, subtle, many-layered, intelligent, funny and heart-breaking.” King Charles and Queen Camilla also paid tribute, remembering her “many great performances” and “warmth and wit.” Smith’s legacy as a true cinematic superstar and acting royalty will endure through her remarkable body of work.