Downton Abbey star Dame Maggie Smith has died at the age of 89, and tributes to the late actor have already begun flooding in.
Hugh Bonneville, who starred alongside Smith in the hit period drama, led the tributes.
"Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent," he said (via the BBC News). "She was a true legend of her generation and thankfully will live on in so many magnificent screen performances. My condolences to her boys and wider family."
Similarly, in a heartfelt Instagram Story post, Downton Abbey actor Dan Stevens said Smith was "truly one of the greats".
Michelle Dockery added: "There was no one quite like Maggie. I feel tremendously lucky to have known such a maverick. She will be deeply missed and my thoughts are with her family."
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Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes called Smith "a truly great actress" in a statement (via Variety):
"We were more than fortunate to be part of the last act in her stellar career. She was a joy to write for, subtle, many-layered, intelligent, funny and heart-breaking. Working with her has been the greatest privilege of my career, and I will never forget her."
Whoopi Goldberg, who famously starred alongside Smith in the Sister Act movies, also shared her memories of the actor.
"Maggie Smith was a great woman and a brilliant actress," she wrote in an Instagram post. "I still can’t believe I was lucky enough to work with the 'one-of-a-kind'. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family… RIP."
Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe shared his memories of working with Smith and recalled her "fierce intellect and gloriously sharp tongue".
He added: "I will always consider myself amazingly lucky to have been able to work with her, and to spend time around her on set. The word legend is overused but if it applies to anyone in our industry then it applies to her. Thank you Maggie."
His co-star Emma Watson shared her appreciation for Smith's "legend" in an Instagram Story, describing her as the "true definition of greatness."
"She was real, honest, funny and self honouring," she added.
Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley in the franchise, changed his Instagram profile photo to one of him and Smith.
Rob Lowe also paid tribute to Smith. He starred alongside her in the 1993 BBC TV movie Suddenly, Last Summer.
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"Saddened to hear Dame Maggie Smith has passed," he wrote on X. "I had the unforgettable experience of working with her; sharing a two-shot was like being paired with a lion.
"She could eat anyone alive, and often did. But funny, and great company. And suffered no fools. We will never see another. God speed, Ms. Smith!"
Similarly, Gyles Brandreth wrote on X: "The saddest news: the death of Dame Maggie Smith marks the end of a golden era & a quite extraordinary life.
"She was a truly great actress, 'one of the greats' and simply the best company: wise, witty, waspish, wonderful. One of a kind in every way and consequently irreplaceable."
Kristin Scott Thomas, who starred with Smith in Keeping Mum and My Old Lady, shared a tribute on Instagram, writing: "I absolutely adored her. Her performances and her personality. Her comedic timing was perfection and her vulnerability when required was heartbreaking.
"The last time I saw her she was very cross about being old. 'Maddening' I think she said. Much loved , much admired and irreplaceable. Rest in Peace dearest Maggie."
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The Palace also paid tribute to the acting great, with King Charles saying in a statement: "My wife and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dame Maggie Smith.
"As the curtain comes down on a national treasure, we join all those around the world in remembering with the fondest admiration and affection her many great performances and her warmth and wit that shone through both on and off the stage."
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the actor on X, writing: "She was beloved by so many for her great talent, becoming a true national treasure whose work will be cherished for generations to come."
Smith died on Friday (September 27) morning in hospital surrounded by friends and family.
The star's death was announced in a joint statement from her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin.
"An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end," the statement read. "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."
News Editor, Digital Spy
Emma is an experienced entertainment news journalist with NCTJ accreditation and a First-Class Honours Degree in Journalism. Having started her career as a broadcast journalist, Emma’s voice has been heard on varying radio stations across the UK including Absolute, Magic, BBC Three Counties Radio, LBC London News and more.
Later specialising in multimedia entertainment news, Emma has brushed shoulders with numerous famous faces and interviewed the likes of Edward Norton, Margot Robbie, Sir Michael Palin, Rick Astley, and too many soap stars to count. Having produced a range of engaging news content over the years for brands such as 7Digital’s Entertainment News, Yahoo, and Express Online, Emma eventually joined Digital Spy in 2022 as Deputy News Editor, becoming Acting News Editor in 2023 and then News Editor in 2024.
While she’s gained lots of praise during celebrity interviews throughout her career, the most memorable compliment Emma’s ever received was when a Game of Thrones star remarked "Your teeth are stunning!". LinkedIn
