Harry Potter’s Professor McGonagall, Dame Maggie Smith, dies at 89

Maggie Smith death: Dame Maggie Smith, the renowned actress known for her roles in the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey, has passed away at the age of 89, her family has announced, BBC has reported. She played the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter movies.

A legendary figure of British stage and screen, she earned two Academy Awards in her career, one for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1970 and another for California Suite in 1979.

In a statement, her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin said, “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.”

As per the statement, Smith passed away peacefully in a hospital on Friday morning. She was with her family and friends in the end. She is survived by her two sons and five cherished grandchildren, all heartbroken by the loss of their remarkable mother and grandmother.

“We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time,” the statement read.