WORLD MOURNS THE PASSING OF MAGGIE SMITH: A 70-YEAR CAREER, ICONIC ROLES, TWO MARRIAGES, TWO SONS, AND FIVE GRANDCHILDREN

One of the world’s most esteemed actresses, Maggie Smith, has passed away at the age of 89, as announced by her sons. The legendary actress enjoyed a remarkable career that spanned 70 years, filled with unforgettable roles that showcased her immense talent and left a lasting impact on the world of cinema.

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Born as Margaret Natalie Smith in December 1934, in Ilford, East London, Maggie was raised by her mother, a school secretary, and her father, a pathologist. She grew up alongside her older twin brothers.

An extraordinary career, immortalized by awards: At the age of four, her family moved to Oxford when her father took a teaching position there. Smith later left school to pursue her passion for acting. She made her stage debut at just 17 years old in Twelfth Night, followed by roles in Cinderella, Rookery Nook, and The Government Inspector. After receiving a role in the musical comedy Share My Lettuce in 1957, she began gaining more recognition in the theatre world.

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She was a regular performer at the Old Vic Theatre, where she starred in plays like The Rehearsal and Mary, Mary. Her talent caught the attention of the iconic Laurence Olivier, who invited her to join his National Theatre Company.

In 1958, Smith made her film debut in Nowhere to Go, but it was her Oscar-winning performance in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie 11 years later that propelled her to international stardom. She received a second Academy Award for her supporting role in California Suite and went on to win a Tony Award for her performance in the Broadway play Private Lives. She was also nominated for the Academy Awards for her roles in A Room with a View and Gosford Park.

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Often compared to Meryl Streep, Smith was considered one of Britain’s greatest actresses, alongside Dame Judi Dench.

An iconic role in Harry Potter: Thirteen years ago, Smith took on the beloved role of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series, enchanting audiences worldwide as the strict yet kind-hearted Transfiguration teacher. She also appeared in numerous beloved comedies, including Sister Act, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and Quartet. Her role in the TV series Downton Abbey earned her three Emmy Awards.

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Her private life and battle with breast cancer: Smith was married twice. She first wed actor Robert Stephens in 1967, with whom she had two sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens. Her first marriage lasted seven years. In 1975, she married playwright Beverley Cross, who passed away in 1998.

In 2007, Smith battled breast cancer and fully recovered after surgery. She was rightfully honored with the title of Dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 1990 for her contributions to the arts.

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Farewell, magnificent Maggie Smith! Your legacy will live on forever.