Maggie Smith: Oscar-winning Harry Potter and Downton Abbey star dies aged 89
Dame Maggie Smith’s Downton Abbey co-star Hugh Bonneville and Harry Potter co-star Bonnie Wright have led tributes to the iconic actor after she died at the age of 89.
Bonneville, who starred alongside Dame Maggie in the ITV drama, remembered her as a “true legend of her generation” who had “sharp wit and formidable talent”.
Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter film franchise, recalled her favorite scene with Smith being “when we were all learning to dance for the Yule Ball” in the fourth movie, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens announced on Friday the Oscar-winning actress had died in Chelsea and Westminster hospital.
A statement from her children said: “She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27 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.”
“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.”
Vocabulary List:
- Tribute /ˈtrɪbjuːt/ (noun): An act statement or gift intended to show gratitude respect or admiration.
- Iconic /aɪˈkɒnɪk/ (adjective): Widely recognized and well-established; serving as a representative symbol.
- Formidable /fɔːrˈmɪdəbl/ (adjective): Inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large powerful or capable.
- Devastated /ˈdɛvəsteɪtɪd/ (verb): Cause severe and overwhelming shock or grief.
- Unstinting /ʌnˈstɪn.tɪŋ/ (adjective): Given or giving without restraint; generous.
- Private /ˈpraɪ.vət/ (adjective): Intended for or restricted to the use of a particular person or group.
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