Dame Maggie Smith, the iconic actress best known to fans as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter film series, passed away on Friday at the age of 89.

Maggie Smith, the masterful, scene-stealing actor who won an Oscar for “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” in 1969 and gained new fans in the 21st century in “Downton Abbey” and the "Harry Potter" films, died Friday. She was 89. pic.twitter.com/cNWPoRJGvO

— AP Entertainment (@APEntertainment) September 27, 2024

The renowned screen and stage actress, winner of two Oscars among her countless accolades has been in the business for more than 60 years. Film fans would also know her from her major roles in Downton Abbey, Sister Act, and Hook. As reported by the AP:

Smith’s sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, said in a statement that Smith died early Friday in a London hospital.

“She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother,” they said in a statement issued through publicist Clair Dobbs.

Our condolences to her family in these difficult times.