<
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/sep/27/maggie-smith-oscar-winning-star-of-stage-and-screen-dies-aged-89>
"Maggie Smith, the prolific, multi-award-winning actor described by peers as
being “one of a kind” and possessed of a “sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable
talent”, has died aged 89.
Her work, which ranged from
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie to
Harry Potter
to
Downton Abbey, brought her global recognition, as well as two Oscars and
eight Baftas.
The news was announced by her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, who said:
“She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27
September.
“An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. 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. We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask
that you respect our privacy at this time.”
Tributes were paid by friends and colleagues. Michael Caine said: “It was my
privilege to make two films alongside the legendary Maggie Smith. A truly
brilliant actress and a dear friend, who I will greatly miss.”
Whoopi Goldberg, with whom Smith worked on the
Sister Act films, said:
“Maggie Smith was a great woman and a brilliant actress. I still can’t believe
I was lucky enough to work with a ‘one of a kind’. My heartfelt condolences go
out to the family.”
Hugh Bonneville, who appeared alongside Smith in
Downton Abbey, said: “Anyone
who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and
formidable talent. 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.”
Smith was also described as a “truly great” actor by Julian Fellowes, the
Downton Abbey creator. “She was a joy to write for, subtle, many-layered,
intelligent, funny and heart-breaking,” he said. “Working with her has been the
greatest privilege of my career, and I will never forget her.”"
RIP,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
