Harry Potter Actress Is No More

Dame Maggie Smith famed for her roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey has died at 89, her family announced. Smith portrayed Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series and won two Academy Awards; one for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1970 and another for California Suite in 1979. 

Her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin confirmed her passing in a statement expressing deep sadness. She died peacefully in a hospital on Friday morning surrounded by family and friends. 

Smith is survived by her two sons and five grandchildren who are heartbroken by the loss of their beloved mother and grandmother. The family thanked everyone for their kind messages and requested privacy during this difficult time.