Dame Maggie Smith, iconic actress known for *Harry Potter* and *Downton Abbey*, has died at 89. She won two Oscars and eight BAFTAs. Her family praised hospital staff and requested privacy.

According to the BBC, actress Dame Maggie Smith, renowned for her roles in the *Harry Potter* films and *Downton Abbey*, has died at the age of 89, her family confirmed.

A legendary figure in British stage and screen, she won two Academy Awards during her illustrious career—one for *The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie* in 1970 and another for *California Suite* in 1979. In addition to her wins, she earned four more Oscar nominations and received eight BAFTA awards over the course of her career.

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

Dame Maggie Smith's career began in the theatre, where she quickly established herself as a formidable talent. She earned her first BAFTA nomination for the 1958 melodrama *Nowhere to Go*. By 1963, she was offered the role of Desdemona in *Othello* by Laurence Olivier, with whom she starred at the National Theatre. The production was adapted into a film two years later, and Smith was nominated for an Oscar for her performance.